Settlement Patterns and Intrasite Variability in the Central Negev, Israel1

Settlement pattern studies in two areas within the Central Negev reveal variations seemingly related to local resources. Near Avdat, the availability of flint may have attracted Middle Paleolithic peoples while Upper Paleolithic occupations are densest and largest near perennial springs. In the Har Harif, no Middle Paleolithic occupations are documented, and the paucity of springs in the survey area is paralleled by the sparse Upper Paleolithic occupation. Large Epipaleolithic sites are abundant in the region, indicating somewhat wetter conditions. Considerable intrasite patterning in artifact distribution is noted at three sites which have been examined in preliminary fashion.