Introduction

Chapter 1 presents the aims and contents of this volume together with the general geographical background of the study. The volume’s main objective is to present a comprehensive description of the lithic component of Gesher Benot Yaʻaqov. Such a description enables discussion of different cognitive, behavioral, and cultural aspects of the hominins who occupied the site. The long occupational sequence excavated at the site provides an exceptional opportunity to study the Acheulian material culture through time and in a unique geographical position on the route out of Africa.In addition, this chapter provides the geographical background of the study and discusses the climate, vegetation, and fauna of Lake Hula and the Hula Valley in the past and present. There appears to be continuity in the habitats and their associated biological elements from Early Pleistocene to Recent times.