Introduction to Atlit-Yam, a Submerged PPNC Site off the Carmel Coast, Israel
摘要
In this introductory chapter, the Neolithic archaeological record of the Southern Levant and the prehistory of the northern Israeli Carmel coast are briefly presented in order to contextualize the late 10th through 9th millennium cal. BP submerged, Pre-Pottery Neolithic C site of Atlit-Yam. In addition, the discipline of Submerged Prehistory and its development in Israel are described, as are the unique methods developed and applied during the excavations and surveys that were conducted at Atlit-Yam. Finally, the threats endangering this site and other submerged settlements due to their recent exposure, as well as issues associated with their future management and preservation, are discussed.