The Archaeology of Cult and the Chalcolithic Sanctuary at Gilat

The identification, excavation and interpretation of a ceremonial centre is one of the most challenging undertakings in archaeology today (Renfrew 1985: 1). For ancient Palestine, the Negev desert, Chalcolithic (ca. 4500-3500 BC) site of Gilat provides a unique opportunity to investigate early religion along the eastern Mediterranean seaboard. In this paper, the archaeological correlates for cult practice, the role of cult in Chalcolithic society, and some aspects of the ideology underlying cult practices are tested and presented. Finally, trade in exotic items is examined as a mechanism for promoting and reinforcing social elites associated with the Gilat sanctuary.