Use of experimental archaeology to examine and interpret Pre-Pottery Neolithic architecture : a case study of Beidha in southern Jordan
Many significant cultural transitions, including the beginnings of sedentism, domestication, and farming, are thought to have taken place during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) in southern Jordan. The settlement sites of this period (often referred to as the first villages) are rich in architectural remains, and this evidence is frequently used to support hypotheses on the degree of sedentism and how societies were structured. This research reexamines these issues through the construction, maintenance, destruction and decay of four experimental reconstructions built between 2001 and 2006 at the PPNB site of Beidha. The results of the experiments provide a more intimate understanding of PPNB architecture, including prehistoric construction methods and techniques, maintenance costs, spatial organisation, and post-abandonment events. The results also contributed to the conservation and presentation of early prehistoric sites to the public.
Dennis, Samantha Jo
experimental archaeology ; Beidha ; prehistoric sites
Use of experimental archaeology to examine and interpret Pre-Pottery Neolithic architecture : a case study of Beidha in southern Jordan. Many significant cultural transitions, including the beginnings of sedentism, domestication, and farming, are thought to have taken place during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) in southern Jordan. The settlement sites of this period (often referred to as the first villages) are rich in architectural remains, and this evidence is frequently used to support hypotheses on the degree of sedentism and how societies were structured. This research reexamines these issues through the construction, maintenance, destruction and decay of four experimental reconstructions built between 2001 and 2006 at the PPNB site of Beidha. The results of the experiments provide a more intimate understanding of PPNB architecture, including prehistoric construction methods and techniques, maintenance costs, spatial organisation, and post-abandonment events. The results also contributed to the conservation and presentation of early prehistoric sites to the public.
use experimental_archaeology examine interpret pre_pottery neolithic architecture case_study southern_jordan many significant_cultural transition include beginning sedentism domestication farming think take_place pre_pottery neolithic southern_jordan settlement_sit period often_refer first village rich architectural remains evidence frequently_use support_hypothesis degree sedentism society structure issue construction maintenance destruction decay experimental reconstruction build site provide intimate architecture include prehistoric construction method_technique maintenance cost spatial_organisation post abandonment event also_contribute conservation presentation early prehistoric sit public