Underwater archaeology in Israel began in 1960 and, already then, traces of submerged settlements were discovered. The first research took place in 1969, when the Neve-Yam site was exposed by a winter storm. Subsequently, during the early 1980s, a research project aimed at locating, excavating, salvage and research of submerged prehistoric settlements was established by E. Galili. Six decades of research has revealed 17 submerged prehistoric sites, containing substantial and well-preserved finds that enlighten the culture and subsistence of the prehistoric coastal populations of the region. Among them are thirteen Neolithic sites, belonging to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic C period, represented at the site of Atlit-Yam (dated to 9250–8000 BP), and twelve Pottery Neolithic sites dated to between 8000 and 6500 cal. BP. Most of the PN sites (Kfar-Samir; Hishuley Carmel; Kfar-Galim; Nahal Galim; Hahoterim; Tel-Hreiz; Megadim; Atlit north bay; Neve-Yam and Habonim) are attributed to the Wadi Rabah culture, considered as late Pottery Neolithic or early Chalcolithic, while the Neve-Yam North site belong to the Lodian culture, which predates the Wadi Rabah culture.The Pottery Neolithic sites are located close to the present shore (1–200 m offshore) at depths of 0–5 m, while the older Atlit-Yam site is located further offshore (200–400 m) and in deeper water (8–12 m below sea level).
The publication project is directed by Dr. Ehud Galili and Dr. Liora Horwitz.
Links to web sites:
Splashcos-Viewer on the web: Map of submerges settlements in the Mediterranean
(http://splashcos.maris2.nl/).
The Movie " The mystery of Atlit-Yam": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR60lvVFLpI&t=467s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR60lvVFLpI&t=467s
Recently published articles available in:
https://haifa.academia.edu/EhudGalili
https://www.academia.edu/36568727/submerged_settlements_off_the_Israeli_coast
https://www.academia.edu/36409922/Threats_to_submerged_prehistoric_cultural_heritage
https://www.academia.edu/30688062/Neve_Yam_Temanun_Island