Tell Gush Halav during the Bronze and Iron Ages

This paper discusses common methodological problems related to multi-period sites in highland regions – the identification of the boundaries of ancient settlements, and the estimation of their size and intensity of occupation during different periods. We tackle these obstacles using an integrated approach based on two complementary sources of data: systematic field survey combined with spatial analysis of multiple salvage excavations. This method, never before applied in delineating the history of Galilean tell sites, is demonstrated using Tell Gush Halav as a case study. This paper presents new chrono-spatial data from a recent survey conducted at this site and its vicinity, together with a spatial analysis of numerous small-scale excavations carried out at the site between 1937 and 2014. We argue that previous assessments of the site’s size and importance through the Bronze and Iron Ages should be modified, and that Tell Gush Halav was in fact one of several medium-sized settlements along the northeastern margins of the Meron Range.