Archaeologists Uncover Oldest Building Ever Found in Tel Aviv

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a prehistoric building in Tel Aviv, estimated to be 7,800-8,400 years old.

The building, the oldest ever found in the Tel Aviv area, was exposed during an archaeological excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The excavation was carried out prior to the construction of an apartment building in the "Green Fichman" project in Ramat Aviv.

Ancient artifacts discovered there are believed to be between 13,000 and 100,000 years old.

"This discovery is both important and surprising to researchers of the period," stated archaeologist Ayelet Dayan, director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority in a press release. "For the first time we have encountered evidence of a permanent habitation that existed in the Tel Aviv region circa 8,000 years ago."

The location of the site is on the northern bank of the Yarkon River, not far from the confluence with Nahal Ayalon, which is believed to have influenced ancient settlers to choose it as a place to live. The area also had fertile soil along the fringes of the streams and was considerate an excellent spot for settlement in ancient periods.

According to the Antiquities Authority, the remains of the ancient building at the site consisted of at least three rooms.

Further evidence of the site's age was found along with the pottery shards discovered there that date to the Neolithic period. Flint tools such as sickle blades were also discovered, as well as evidence of an ancient tool-making industry. Even older artifacts were also discovered.

Other finds at the site included a fragment of a base of a basalt bowl, hippopotamus bones, and teeth that probably belonged to sheep or goat.