The urban ecology of Iron Age Tel Megiddo: using microvertebrate remains as ancient bio-indicators

► The study focuses on microvertebrate remains from Iron Age Tel Megiddo, Israel. ► This is one of the earliest assemblages from an ancient urban site. ► We reveal in situ accumulated remains from a period of intense occupation. ► Data show especially low species diversity indicating a densely populated environment. ► This finding invokes the metaphor of a 'biological desert' for an early urban site.