The directional occurrence of the Levantine geomagnetic field anomaly: New data from Cyprus and abrupt directional changes

We present new insights on the directional occurrence of Levantine Iron Age Anomaly (LIAA) through analysis and previously published archaeomagnetic data from Cyprus nearby countries. The directions, obtained in situ baked clay structures such as small hearths ovens five Cypriot archaeological sites, dated 2000 BCE to 1400 CE, are very well defined added scant reference dataset for Cyprus. records together with literature countries used investigate variations geomagnetic field Eastern Mediterranean Middle East. first palaeosecular variation curve East is calculated using a critical selection Cyprus, Israel, Turkey Syria. covers last four millennia shows several periods characterized by abrupt changes. A maximum change curvature clearly observed around 900 BCE, rate high 13.2° per century. confirms that during notable extreme intensity values, was steep inclinations important too. shifted one century two distinct spikes Levant 10th 8th centuries BCE. Other also identified deserve further investigation.