Abstract
The excavations at Khallat Abu Halah uncovered 24 shells, including 14 marine shells from the Mediterranean Sea, two freshwater bivalves—one local and the other originating from the Nile—and eight terrestrial snails. Most of the shells were dated to the Byzantine period but were not found in situ, making it difficult to interpret their use. The Mediterranean shells indicate a connection to the Mediterranean coast, whereas the freshwater bivalve from the Nile suggests connections with Egypt, likely via Caesarea. The terrestrial species are similar to those found in the region today, indicating that the environmental conditions in the area during the Byzantine period were similar to those of the present day.
Keywords
shells, Byzantine period, Mediterranean Sea, freshwater bivalves, terrestrial snails, environmental reconstruction
Recommended Citation
Ktalav, Inbar
(2025)
"Khallat Abu Ḥalaḥ: The Shells / ח'לת אבו חלאח: ממצא הקונכיות,"
Qadum: Journal of Excavation Reports from Israel: Vol. 1, Article 45.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70967/3078-8528.1044
Available at:
https://publications.iaa.org.il/qadum/vol1/iss1/45
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Classical Archaeology and Art History Commons, History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons
