Rantis Cave

During January 2005, a salvage excavation was conducted at the Rantis Cave (Permit No. A-4331; map ref. NIG 200470-510/659240-282; OIG 150470-510/159240-282), in the wake of discovering the site during the construction of the separation fence. The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and financed by the Ministry of Defense, was directed by O. Marder and R. Lupu, with the assistance of S. Ya'aqov-Jam and E. Bachar (administration), A. Hajian (surveying), G. Bar-Oz, R. Yeshurun and M. Belmaker (archaeozoology), A. Frumkin, (geology), O. Ackermann (geomorphology), H. Ron and N. Porat (radiometric analyses) and L. Zeiger (flint drawing). Further assistance was extended by R. Rabinovich, N. Gubenko, E. Yannai, O. Shmueli and A. Re'em of the IAA central district, as well as students, volunteers and IAA laborers.