From Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age: A view from Abu Hof Cave 22 (Israel)

Archaeological cultural taxonomy is a practical necessity. It singles out more or less coherent patio-temporal entities and facilitates scholarly exchange communication. However, these conventions tend to take an independent life of their own, sometimes constrain creative research endeavors. well known that ―the name not the thing‖. taxa are relatively flexible entities, perfectly self-contained units. Despite this realization, change documented from one archaeological culture next generally framed in term ‗transition‘, legacy classic gradualism. This paper addresses issues nature Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age interface Southern Levant, vantage point small cave located Nahal Tillah valley Northern Negev, Israel. Genomic intra-site data suggest situation be robust illustration punctuated equilibrium, without evidence continuity between ending Chalcolithic emerging Early societies.