Atlit Yam

Atlit Yam is an underwater archaeological site located off the coast of Atlit, Israel. It represents a submerged Neolithic village dating back to between 8,900 and 8,300 years ago. The site spans 4 hectares and is recognized for its well-preserved stone circle, which may have been used for ritualistic purposes. Excavations have revealed remains of rectangular houses, a well, and evidence of a diverse subsistence system combining agriculture, pastoralism, and marine resources. Significant finds include the earliest known cases of tuberculosis, stone stelae, and flexed burials. A volcanic collapse of Mount Etna around 8,500 years ago is hypothesized to have caused a tsunami that contributed to the village's sudden abandonment. Atlit Yam provides valuable insights into Neolithic life and the interactions between human settlements and changing sea levels.