Walking through the Alleys of Motza (Moẓa): Early Evidence of Settlement Planning and Urban Organization

Recent excavations at the Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) mega-site of Motza revealed the earliest evidence of settlement planning in the Southern Levant to date. The size of the site and the layout of its architectural units indicate that planning decisions were made throughout the settlement establishment and development, beginning with the choice of its location and extending to the organization of intra-site space. This is evident from the presence of central alleys connecting neighborhoods and open areas, alongside smaller roads and passageways linking private and communal structures, and courtyards. The high level of internal organization implies coordinated decision-making by local authorities. These patterns are consistent with the increasing complexity of building regulations in large Neolithic villages of this period, possibly reflecting growing social stratification.