Ghassulian

The Copper Age Ghassulien culture ( also Ghassul - Bheerscheba culture or Bheerscheba culture for another important locality, Be'er Sheva ) flourished in the fourth millennium BC, especially in the Levant. The eponymous locality is Teleilat Ghassul the northeast of the Dead Sea. The carriers of the culture are also considered as the builders of the megalithic sites on the Golan Heights.

The pottery of the Ghassulien culture is simple and little painted. Most typically are elongated clay pots that have eyelets at the top, and probably represent the Tonkopie a leather vessel. Superscript cups were probably once covered with fur and served as drums. The ceramic is not strong, burned and partly brittle. There were numerous ivories, representing the partial figures of men and women. As jewelery is bracelets, pendants and beads were made ​​of different materials.

There were several settlements to be excavated. Teleilat Ghassul consists of various rectangular houses. Noteworthy are the rich remains of wall paintings. Further settlement remains were found in Gaza and the Dead Sea. Residential buildings were partly dug in the rocky ground.

From the Ghassulien culture originate various hoards. In a cave in Nahal Mishmar There were more than 400 copper objects. Also in Kfar Monasch came a silver and copper treasure to light.

Especially in the area of Tel Aviv, there were caves, which have served as burial places. There were found on benches ossuaries. Some of them were made of stone, but most are made ​​of clay and make homes dar.

Economic base was apparently the livestock. Goats, sheep, pigs and cattle are occasionally attested, the latter also as beasts of burden. There were also farming. Barley and wheat were grown.

The settlements of the Ghassulien culture were abandoned around 3000 BC and not reoccupied in the subsequent period. There are no signs of a violent demise.