In 1963, despite the fact the project would eventually flood dozens of modern villages and ancient sites. The government of Syrian Arab Republic, decided to create dams on upper Euphrates river. Culminating a series of excavation and archaeological rescue operations. Among them, an extraordinary neolithic site discovered Abu Hureyra.

In a short span of less than 35 years. They gathered more information about the human beings transition to agriculture, pottery and domestication of animals. More then anywhere previously; and with more details. Using + setting the standard for new techniques, and with less time.

Bibliography: Moore, Andrew M. T.; Hillman, Gordon C.; Legge, Anthony J. (2000). Village on the Euphrates: From Foraging to Farming at Abu Hureyra. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN0-19-510806-X.

Mithen, Steven (2006). After the Ice: A Global Human History, 20000-5000 BC (paperback ed.). Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ISBN0-674-01570-3.