Prehistoric Beginnings of Jericho (Tell es-Sultan): The Oldest City in the World

Jericho, known as Tell es-Sultan in archaeology, is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the Ancient Levant. Often called the oldest city in the world, this site holds a history that stretches back more than 10,000 years. Located in the Jordan Valley, Jericho played a vital role in human civilization’s shift from hunter-gatherer societies to organized settlements, making it a key location for understanding the Neolithic Revolution.

For collectors and history enthusiasts, ancient artifacts from this region, including Neolithic pottery, flint tools, and Bronze Age relics, provide a direct connection to one of the earliest human settlements. If you’re looking for authentic antiquities from the Ancient Levant, Jericho’s prehistoric history offers invaluable insight into early human culture and trade.

 

🏺 The Importance of Tell es-Sultan in Prehistory

Why is Jericho Considered the Oldest City?

Tell es-Sultan is one of the earliest sites where permanent human settlements appeared, dating back to around 10,000 BC (Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period A). Unlike other sites in the Ancient Levant, which were primarily seasonal camps or temporary shelters, Jericho had fortified walls, a defensive tower, and organized dwellings, proving that early humans here were among the first to develop an urbanized society.

 

The Evolution of Jericho Through Prehistoric Periods

1️⃣ Natufian Period (~12,000–10,000 BC) – The Earliest Settlers

The earliest known inhabitants of Jericho were the Natufians, a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who first began experimenting with early agriculture. Archaeologists have found microlithic tools, flint sickles, and grinding stones, suggesting that wild grains like barley and wheat were collected and processed here.

✅ Key Discoveries:

• Flint sickle blades for harvesting grain
• Grinding stones used for food processing
• Evidence of early domesticated plants

 

2️⃣ Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) (~10,000–8,500 BC) – The First Walled City

By the 10th millennium BC, Jericho had developed into a full-scale settlement with mud-brick houses and defensive walls. One of the most fascinating structures from this time is the Jericho Tower, a 28-foot-high circular stone tower that may have served a defensive, religious, or astronomical function.

The presence of fortified walls suggests that warfare or defense may have already been a concern in prehistoric times, marking a major shift in human social organization.

✅ Key Discoveries:

• The Jericho Tower, one of the world’s first monumental structures
• Mud-brick houses, an early form of urban planning
• Plastered skulls, possibly representing ancestor worship

 

3️⃣ Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) (~8,500–7,000 BC) – Advancements in Agriculture & Religion

During this period, Jericho’s population grew significantly, with more advanced dwellings and the rise of ancestor veneration rituals. The famous plastered skulls of Jericho, where human skulls were covered with plaster and given lifelike features, indicate early religious or spiritual beliefs.

Agriculture flourished, and Jericho became an early trade hub in the Ancient Levant, with evidence of imported obsidian from Anatolia and sea shells from the Mediterranean, proving long-distance trade connections.

✅ Key Discoveries:

• Plastered skulls (ancestor veneration)
• Domestication of sheep, goats, and cattle
• Trade networks connecting Jericho to Mesopotamia and Anatolia

4️⃣ Early Bronze Age (~3,300–2,000 BC) – The Rise of Trade & Fortifications

By the Early Bronze Age, Jericho had evolved into a thriving city-state with a well-defined economy, international trade routes, and advanced fortifications. The walls of Jericho were rebuilt and strengthened multiple times, suggesting continued concerns over warfare.

Bronze tools, jewelry, and pottery from this period are among the most sought-after artifacts by collectors of ancient Levant antiquities.

✅ Key Discoveries:

• Bronze tools and weapons
• Jars and pottery used for food storage and trade
• Tombs filled with burial offerings

🏺 Ancient Jericho’s Connection to Biblical & Levantine History

Jericho is famous not only for its prehistoric importance but also for its role in Biblical history. According to the Book of Joshua, Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership, when the city’s walls miraculously collapsed.

For collectors of biblical artifacts, ancient oil lamps, pottery, and coins from this region provide a direct link to the time of the Canaanites and Israelites.

Artifacts to Look For:

• Bronze Age oil lamps – Used in daily life and religious ceremonies
• Canaanite pottery – Handcrafted ceramic vessels used in ancient Jericho
• Ancient coins from the Holy Land – Trade and commerce relics from the region

 

🛒 Why Collect Authentic Artifacts from the Ancient Levant?

1️⃣ Own a Piece of History

Holding an authentic ancient artifact from the Levant, whether it’s a Neolithic flint tool, an ancient oil lamp, or a Canaanite jar, connects you to the earliest civilizations that shaped human history.

2️⃣ A Rare & Valuable Investment

Genuine artifacts from prehistoric Jericho and the Levant increase in value over time, making them a worthwhile investment for history lovers and collectors.

3️⃣ Perfect for Museums & Private Collections

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a museum curator, or an investor, acquiring artifacts from the world’s oldest city is an opportunity to preserve history.

At Ancient Levant, we specialize in authentic antiquities from the Holy Land, offering:
✔ Certified & legally sourced artifacts
✔ Rare pottery, coins, and tools from the Levant
✔ Historical context and authenticity documentation

 

📌 Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Prehistoric Jericho

Jericho’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and transformation. From its humble beginnings as a Natufian settlement to becoming a Neolithic walled city, Jericho laid the foundation for civilization in the Ancient Levant.

For those who seek to own a piece of this history, authentic antiquities from the region—including Neolithic tools, Bronze Age pottery, and biblical-era artifacts—offer a tangible connection to one of the most fascinating sites in human history.

🌍 Explore our collection of authentic artifacts from the Ancient Levant today!