Ohalo II diet evidence shows year-round occupation and heavy cereal use. 150,000 seeds and fruits analyzed, representing around 150 different species Heavy reliance on large-grain cereals: wild barley, wild wheat, and wild oats Small grain grasses, bromes, acorns, pulses, and wild fruits were also consumed
The diet evidence at Ohalo II is incredible — ~90,000 seeds representing more than 100 species were analyzed, with heavy reliance on wild barley, wild wheat, and brome grasses. They also hunted gazelle and other mammals, fished with stone net sinkers, and consumed various bird species. All four seasons are represented, confirming permanent year-round occupation! 🌾🐟
Key Facts
- 150,000 seeds and fruits analyzed, representing around 150 different species
- Heavy reliance on large-grain cereals: wild barley, wild wheat, and wild oats
- Small grain grasses, bromes, acorns, pulses, and wild fruits were also consumed
- Grains were concentrated around a grinding stone on the floor of a hut, with microscopic starch granules indicating flour grinding
- Mammals hunted included gazelle, fallow deer, fox, hare, wild pig, and wild cattle
- Fish caught using nets, evidenced by dozens of stone net sinkers discovered
- 83 bird species identified, with the great crested grebe most common
- Seasonal indicators show all seasons represented, confirming year-round occupation as a permanent settlement
Source: 23,000-Year-Old Settlement & Earliest Cultivation: Ohalo II | Ancient Architects by Ancient Architects