Article,
Investigating the Neolithic rubble layers of ‘Ain Ghazal, Jordan, using luminescence dating
Contributors
al Khasawneh S.
0000-0001-6406-0393
(Corresponding author)
[1]
Murray A.S.
0000-0001-5559-1862
[2]
Affiliations
- [1] Yarmouk University [NORA names: Jordan; Asia, Middle East];
- [2] Aarhus University [NORA names: AU Aarhus University; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD]
Abstract
A chronological study was conducted on the Neolithic depositional layers widely known as ‘Rubble layers’ at the Neolithic site ‘Ain Ghazal, Jordan. The aim of this study was to provide new knowledge about the layers, and their deposition, using luminescence dating. Luminescence ages suggests that the rubble layers were deposited in two distinct episodes, the first around 8.2–8.5 ka ago during the Yarmoukian period, and the second during Chalcolithic period around 6.6–7.4 ka ago. The earlier episode is contemporaneous with records of episodic torrential rainfall during an arid period between 8.6 and 8.0 ka ago, supporting the hypothesis of deposition by natural causes such as flash floods.
Keywords
Climate change,
Flash floods,
Levant Neolithic,
Luminescence dating,
Rubble layers
