Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a 5,000-year-old settlement near the city of Beit Shemesh.
Yitzhak Paz, a researcher from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which conducted the excavation, stated: “This is a very large site, dominant in its surroundings, inhabited by a large population group, showing signs of early urbanization.”
Aerial view of the excavation area near Beit Shemesh. (Photo: Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority).
The settlement was found at Hurvat Husham, a site from the Bronze Age. The remnants of the building include thick walls enclosing a space with benches, hypothesized to serve a public function – possibly for worship. Not far from this building, archaeologists also uncovered an older complex featuring large standing stones, likely used as a ceremonial space.
The proximity of these two structures suggests that the local population transitioned from public worship to a more enclosed space with tighter access control. This could provide evidence of the beginning of increased social complexity and urbanization among the people living in this area 5,000 years ago.
Researchers note that the Early Bronze Age (late fourth millennium BCE) was a complex period for this region, marked by population growth, the formation of hierarchical societies, the standardization of various industries, the construction of massive public buildings, and significant trade activities with neighboring countries.
Danny Benayoun, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority who participated in the excavation, remarked: “It is truly astonishing to discover something that has remained intact for 5,000 years.”
The excavations also uncovered numerous jars and vessels, as well as smaller containers that may have been more symbolic than practical. Interestingly, archaeologists found these items in their original positions, likely placed there by the residents just before the site was abandoned.
The archaeologists are unsure what happened to the room after the jars were placed, but they found evidence of burning, and some jars were found toppled over one another. Researchers hope that further analysis of the jars may shed light on this mystery.
