Located near the Jordan River in northern Israel, Ubadieh (or ‘Ubeidiya) prehistoric site is one of the most important Lower Paleolithic archaeological sites in the world. Dated to approximately 1.4 million years ago, this site provides some of the earliest evidence of human migration out of Africa, making it a key location for understanding early human evolution.

Discovered in the 1950s and excavated intermittently since, Ubadieh has yielded a treasure of stone tools, animal bones and a few remains of humans. The stone tools, made by simple techniques, include hand axes, scrapers, and cleavers, used for hunting, butchering, and processing plant materials. They suggest the presence of Homo erectus or a closely related species.

The site’s fossil record is equally remarkable, containing remains of extinct animals like giant elephants, hippos, and saber-toothed cats, alongside early species of deer and cattle. These findings provide a glimpse into the environment and ecosystem of the region during the Early Pleistocene, indicating a diverse and resource-rich landscape that supported early human life.

Touring Ubadieh

Today, Ubadieh stands as a significant marker in the study of human evolution and prehistoric migration. Recently the site was developed for visits by setting trails and signs with information.