Chalcolithic Culture in the Levant

The origins of Chalcolithic (approximately 4300-3300 BCE) culture in the Levant are debatable. Arguments exist that the culture developed locally as well as that the culture was “intrusive” – introduced by immigrants to the region. While valid claims can be made for both sides, it is far more reasonable to surmise that Chalcolithic culture formed due to a combinative effect. Certain forms of pottery and methods of working copper show an Iranian influence which may have …

…while others offer the idea that immigrants from other lands instigated the Early Bronze Age. It also seems likely that the climate simply became more dry, causing lands that were once suitable for agriculture to become unable to be farmed. While the cause of the end of the Chalcolithic period is open to speculation, it seems most plausible that some sort of immigration or invasion took place, as evidenced by the cave at Nahal Mishmar.