Nahal Oren, Archaeological site on Mount Carmel, Israel
Nahal Oren is an archaeological site on Mount Carmel featuring a cave and a small terrace carved into a northern slope near Haifa. The location contains layered remains that document several prehistoric periods spanning thousands of years of human habitation.
Excavations began in 1941 and revealed layers from the Kebaran, Natufian, and Pre-Pottery Neolithic periods. These strata document the gradual shift in how people obtained food and settled in the region over many centuries.
The site displays the remains of circular dwellings built on constructed terraces, showing how prehistoric inhabitants organized their living spaces on the hillside. These structures reveal something about the daily life and social organization of ancient communities that made this location their home.
The site is set on a hillside and requires sturdy footwear as the terrain is uneven in places. Visiting during cooler months makes the experience more comfortable for walking around the exposed areas.
Researchers discovered wheat remains at this location suggesting grain farming may have begun far earlier than previously thought. This finding places the site among the most important evidence for understanding how agriculture first emerged in this region.
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