The Paleo-Anthropocene and the genesis of the current landscape of Israel

This chapter explores the nature of the Paleo-Anthropocene of Israel, starting with the earliest human occupation in the region that served as a catalyst for subsequent changes in the physical and biotic landscapes. Focusing on human impacts to the natural and physical environment, we detail four key stages that served as pivotal events in the evolution of anthropogenic activities: (1) the “Natural Ecosystem and Landscape” that characterized the landscape inhabited by early hunter-gatherers starting ~ 1.5 Ma years BP; (2) the advent and progress of “Human Niche Construction” beginning ~ 12,500 BCE; (3) the establishment of an “Anthropogenic Ecosystem” starting ~ 3300 BCE; and (4) the transformation of the country to a “Total Anthropogenic Ecosystem and Landscape” ~ 1200 CE. Each stage marked a progression, that was characterized by an acceleration in the pace and extent of human intervention. Thus, the present-day Israeli landscape and ecosystems are not ‘natural’, but should be considered as the direct outcome of a series of anthropogenic interventions.