Definition: Ubeidiya is an early paleolithic archaeological site located on a low rise in the Jordan Valley of Israel--and at 1.4-1.6 million years in age, it is one of the oldest hominid sites outside of Africa. The site consists of several identified 'living floors' of concentrations of Acheulean tools such as handaxes, picks, and bifaces, and pebble-core tools and flake-tools. Bone found at the site include extinct species of hippopotamus and deer, and molluscs; hominid teeth were found at the site, unidentifiable to species. Ubeidiya was identified in 1959 and excavated over several seasons between 1960 and 1974, principally by Ofer Bar-Yosef and Naama Goren-Inbar. The most recent investigations by John J. Shea suggest that the living floors may be the result of geomorphological activity.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Alternate Spellings: 'Ubeidiya