Continuity and Change: Animal Economies of Jerusalem and Its Hinterland during the Persian and Hellenistic Periods

The animal economy of Jerusalem in the wake of the Neo-Babylonian destruction and reestablishment of the city in the 6^th through the 2^nd cent. B.C.E. is relatively unknown. This paper presents the first diachronic perspective of Jerusalem and its hinterland’s animal economy in the latter half of the 1^st mill. B.C.E., against the backdrop of geopolitical, environmental, and cultural changes. To accomplish this aim, we carried out a synchronic and diachronic study of the faunal assemblages from two sites dated to this time frame: Giv ‘ati Parking Lot (Area 10) in Jerusalem and Nebi Samuel in the hinterland. Further, we studied these sites in the context of previously published contemporary sites. We demonstrate that Je- rusalem continued to butcher locally and consume livestock acquired through direct and indirect channels in both periods. At the same time, those in the hinterland continued to produce meat and agropastoral products for themselves and external consumers. Additional conclusions of this research indicate that while there is continuity in the herd management practices of sheep and goats in Jerusalem and its hinterland, there is a change in the exploitation of cattle and chicken. We suggest that these changes relate to social, cultural, and religious developments in the latter half of the 1^st mill. B.C.E.