Evaluating the Hidden Extent of an Archaeological Site: an Example from Tel Kabri, Israel

The coast of Israel consists of a dense web of settlements that have prevailed since prehistory. In these ancient habitations, human activities have left anthropic signatures that are embedded in the sediment sequences. we aim to shed light on the anthropogenic impact around the center of Tel Kabri during the Middle Bronze Age (MB). The investigation was conducted by examining stratigraphic columns acquired at varying distances from the center of the site (the MB II palace) through three sediment cores and a sediment section. Litho-stratigraphic characterization relied on sediment descriptions, particle size and mineralogical composition assessment, organic and inorganic carbon measurements, phosphate concentration analysis, and micromorphological examination. Additionally, the sequence was dated through three optically stimulated luminescence ages, while pollen and microfauna were searched for as well. The results show that deposits around Tel Kabri's center predominantly consist of three gray-brown loam to sandy-silt units (F1-F3) containing freshwater Melanopsis shells that were deposited from the late Pleistocene throughout the Holocene, overlying a chalk bedrock. All units are devoid of pollen and microfauna. Units F1 and F3 are interpreted as alluvial deposits with phosphate concentration lower than 0.3 %, while an anthropogenic unit F2 consists of MB sherds and charcoal remains with phosphate concentrations that range 0.5-2 %. Micromorphological observations show presence of Mn/Fe nodules and stains indicating waterlogging, and a striated b-fabric in the clayey groundmass indicating shrink-swell cycles due to dry-wet conditions for F1. Together, these observations probably reflect seasonal changes in the groundwater table. Based on the data, it seems that an anthropogenic impact is found buried as much as ca. 500 m south of the center (palace) of the site. This study is a proof of concept that an evaluation of a settlement's extent can be done via micro-geoarchaeology, and this approach may be used to aid archaeological surveys in future research.