Merimde-Benisalame

(also Merimdeh Beni Salameh), a Neolithic settlement of early farmers (fifth millennium B.C.) in Egypt, located 51 km northwest of Cairo. It was discovered in 1928 and investigated by Austrian archaeologists (H. Junker and others).

The inhabitants of Merimde-Benisalame engaged in growing cereals, raising domesticated animals (pigs, sheep, cattle, dogs), hunting, fishing, and gathering. They dwelt in shelters made of reeds and pit houses, and they made flint knives, arrowheads, and sickle blades; stone axes and mace spikes; saddle querns; and clay household vessels. Bone implements were also found. The pottery was modeled. Ornaments were made of clay, ivory, and shells.

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