North of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley.
(Neolithic)
8500/8000BC (from)
The city was deserted 6000bc approx and reinhabited 5000bc approx. Expansion during the bronze age 1700bc-1550bc, and extensive fortification occurred after the emergence of other cities in the Near East.
Natufian (hunter gatherers)
Neolithic - even before this time favourable conditions led hunter gatherers to establish a permanent settlement, at the Jericho site.
An agricultural community population 2000.
A stone wall 2M wide
Adjoining circular stone tower staircase
It has been suggested that the wall was not defensive, but to
guard against floods.
It might have been regarded as the first city, but there is no evidence
that there was any specialisation other than agriculture, or
significant accumulation of surplus.
The city was deserted 6000bc approx and reinhabited 5000bc approx.
Expansion during the bronze age 1700bc-1550bc, and extensive
fortification occurred after the emergence of other cities in the Near
East.