This expedition consisted of an interdisciplinary environmental鈥慳rchaeological investigation around Tell Fara (South) / Sharuhen, situated in the Nahal Basor (Wadi Ghuzzeh). The project, conducted in July–August 1973, aimed to deepen understanding of site distribution, settlement patterns, palaeo-environment, and cultural chronology in this marginal semi鈥慳rid landscape. The expedition had two major goals: to expand a regional archaeological site survey, with particular focus on identifying a fuller chronological sequence; and to excavate Site B, a rich Middle Palaeolithic (Levallois–Mousterian) locality first identified the previous year.
Survey work confirmed that the region’s archaeology is highly polarized, comprising predominantly Mousterian and Chalcolithic occupations, with a striking absence of material from the Upper Palaeolithic through Neolithic periods—suggesting long phases of non鈥憃ccupation or erosional loss. Mousterian artefacts occur widely on both sides of the wadi, often emerging from loess exposures near springs and erosion scarps. Chalcolithic sites, by contrast, lie on the elevated country surface (≈101鈥痬), often several hundred metres from the wadi, indicating agricultural settlement patterns.
Site B proved exceptionally significant. Excavation revealed three major Mousterian floors, each separated by ~20鈥痗m of loess, along with several minor horizons. These deposits contained dense assemblages of flint tools, charcoal, seeds, bone (sometimes cut or burnt), and intact activity surfaces—suggesting repeated use of an open鈥慳ir butchering or activity area. The richness and integrity of the stratigraphy require long鈥憈erm excavation.
Complementary entomological, botanical, and geomorphological studies enhanced understanding of past environments. Flotation processing successfully recovered seeds, pollen, and insect remains from loess columns—promising methods for reconstructing vegetation and climate. Geomorphology confirmed a complex history of loess deposition, fossil dunes, and limited lateral movement of the wadi since the Middle Palaeolithic.