Marj Rabba
Basic information
Sample name: Marj Rabba
Reference: A. C. Hill, M. D. Price, and Y. M. Rowan. 2016. Feasting at Marj Rabba, an early chalcolithic site in the Galilee. Oxford Journal of Archaeology 35(2):127-140 [ER 3755]
Geography
Country: Israel
Coordinate: 33° 51' 38" N, 35° 17' 55" E
Latlng basis: stated in text
Time interval: Holocene
Max Ma: 0.00655
Min Ma: 0.00615
Age basis: radiocarbon (calibrated)
Geography comments: "Marj Rabba is one of about three dozen Chalcolithic sites located in the hilly Lower Galilee of modern-day Israel. At around 8 ha, Marj Rabba was one of the largest villages in the Galilee during this period".
"A small number of radiocarbon dates indicate an occupation of several centuries in the mid–late fifth millennium BC (4600–4200 cal. BC)".
"A small number of radiocarbon dates indicate an occupation of several centuries in the mid–late fifth millennium BC (4600–4200 cal. BC)".
Environment
Lithology: not described
Taphonomic context: human accumulation, settlement
Archaeology: bone tools, buildings, ceramics, hearths, stone tools, other artifacts, other structures
Habitat comments: "The excavators revealed three major Chalcolithic phases. The earliest phase (IV) was only partially exposed and consisted of wall fragments and associated deposits. Phase III primarily contained rectilinear buildings and associated features, including the remains of a well-constructed building complex. The latest phase (II) included fragments of rectilinear houses and stone circles, the latter possibly representing the bases of silos. In addition, a pit containing the articulated remains of two cattle were uncovered, suggesting possible ritual uses of animals took place at the site".
"The faunal, lithic, ceramic, botanical, and architectural remains indicate that Marj Rabba was occupied by sedentary farmers who practiced mixed agriculture with an emphasis on grain production. The faunal remains are dominated by domestic sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs, representing both primary butchery and domestic refuse".
"The faunal, lithic, ceramic, botanical, and architectural remains indicate that Marj Rabba was occupied by sedentary farmers who practiced mixed agriculture with an emphasis on grain production. The faunal remains are dominated by domestic sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs, representing both primary butchery and domestic refuse".
Methods
Life forms: carnivores, primates, rodents, ungulates, birds, snakes, turtles, frogs
Sampling methods: quarry, screenwash
Sample size: 3390 specimens
Years: 2009 - 2014
Net or trap nights: 0
Basal area status: not applicable
Sampling comments: "Excavations at Marj Rabba were carried out between 2009 and 2014. Most of the excavation has focused on two exposures, which, in combination, comprise approximately 800 m2. An intensive survey, remote sensing, and small-scale test excavations in adjoining fields, have also been conducted".
"All soil removed from the excavations was screened through 5 mm mesh allowing for excellent recovery of faunal remains".
"All soil removed from the excavations was screened through 5 mm mesh allowing for excellent recovery of faunal remains".
Metadata
Sample no: 4006
Contributor no: Benjamin Carter
Enterer: Benjamin Carter
Created: 2022-10-12 14:58:49
Modified: 2022-10-12 04:43:29
Abundance distribution
Each square represents a species. Square sizes are proportional to counts. Values are logged.
Statistics
23 species
2 singletons
total count 3390
geometric series index: 31.1
Fisher's α: 3.319
geometric series k: 0.7134
Hurlbert's PIE: 0.6836
Shannon's H: 1.5242
Good's u: 0.9994
Register
| Bos taurus (cow) | 750 | |
| Ovis aries (sheep) | 182 | |
| Capra aegagrus hircus (wild goat) | 239 | |
| also 2434 Caprinae indet. | ||
| Sus scrofa (pig) | 1685 | |
| Gazella gazella (mountain gazelle) | 373 | 21.0 kg |
| Canis lupus familiaris (gray wolf) | 25 | 43.0 kg |
| also 6 Canidae indet. | ||
| Cervus elaphus (red deer) | 6 | |
| Dama dama (European fallow deer) | 8 | |
| also 2 Cervidae indet. | ||
| Ursus arctos (brown bear) | 1 | |
| Vulpes vulpes (red fox) | 10 | |
| Felinae indet. | 4 | |
| "Felis/Lynx" | ||
| Hyaena hyaena (striped hyena) | 1 | 30.0 kg |
| Martes foina (beech marten) | 2 | 1.3 kg |
| Spalax sp. | 2 | |
| Microtus sp. | 30 | |
| Gerbillinae indet. | 13 | |
| Cricetus sp. | 5 | |
| Homo sapiens (human) | 37 | 64.0 kg |
| Telluraves indet. | 2 | |
| "Raptor" | ||
| Galliformes indet. | 2 | |
| Testudo graeca | 3 | |
| also 82 Testudines indet. | ||
| Serpentes indet. | 8 | |
| Pelobates syriacus | 2 | |