‘Atiqot - Publications of the Israel Antiquities Authority

‘Atiqot 81 (2015) ISBN 2948-040X

Yavne-Yam (North): Geomorphology and Environment (Hebrew, pp. 59–67; English summary, pp. 120*–121*)
Oren Ackermann
Keywords: Peleshet coastal plain, sand dunes, aeolian sand, climate fluctuations, topography
Yavne-Yam (North) is located on the coastal plain of Peleshet, on the border of the Rishon Le-Ziyyon and Yavne dunes, approximately 200 m from the coastline. The site is buried under sand dunes. Two representative sections were examined (E and W). In Section E, four sand units were identified, containing occupation levels (especially Units 2 and 4) that were subjected to an accumulation of sand. At the bottom of the dune (Unit 1), Late Roman-period pottery was found. In Section W, excavated to the west of the site, three units were observed: Unit 1 contained 94% sand; Unit 2 is a transitional unit of mixed sand (76%) and clay; and Unit 3 contained a dark gray-brown clayey soil, comprising 50% sand and 32% clay—in this layer, Middle Bronze Age tombs were revealed. It seems that the surface of the site was quite stable for a long period, lasting at least from the Late Bronze Age until the Late Roman period. During the Roman period, the site underwent cycles of sandy coverage, probably of low intensity, allowing the site to continue to exist. It seems that during the Byzantine period, the site underwent a massive cycle of sandy coverage, leading to the termination of activity.