9.1 Discovery and excavation of Göbekli Tepe
2 min read•july 25, 2024
, a site in Turkey, is changing our understanding of early human societies. Found in the 1960s but fully excavated from 1995, it reveals built by hunter-gatherers before agriculture took hold.
led the main excavations, uncovering with . This discovery challenges previous ideas about when humans started building large, organized structures and suggests earlier than thought.
Discovery and Excavation of Göbekli Tepe
Location of Göbekli Tepe
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- Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey situated near city of Şanlıurfa (ancient Edessa)
- Limestone ridge at 760 meters elevation overlooking Harran Plain
- Northern edge of showcases transition from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies
- Proximity to other Neolithic sites ( and ) suggests
Timeline of site discovery
- 1960s: Istanbul University and University of Chicago survey identified site during regional archaeological assessment
- 1994: Klaus Schmidt rediscovered site recognizing its potential significance for understanding Neolithic culture
- 1995: began through collaboration between and
- 1995-2014: Major excavation period led by Schmidt uncovered circular structures and iconic T-shaped pillars
- 2014-present: Continued excavations and research expand understanding of site's complexity and
Key figures in Göbekli Tepe research
- Klaus Schmidt led excavations from 1995 to 2014 establishing site's importance in Neolithic archaeology
- German Archaeological Institute provided primary funding and resources for long-term research efforts
- Şanlıurfa Museum collaborated in excavations and manages local artifact preservation and exhibition
- current project coordinator continuing Schmidt's work and expanding research scope
- Istanbul University and University of Chicago involved in initial site identification during 1960s survey
- Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism oversees ongoing excavations and site management ensuring preservation
Key Terms to Review (20)
Advanced social organization: Advanced social organization refers to the complex and structured arrangements of social relationships and institutions that support large-scale human societies. This includes the establishment of hierarchies, specialized roles, and collaborative networks that enable cooperation among large groups, fostering cultural and technological development. In the context of archaeological discoveries like Göbekli Tepe, it showcases how early human societies may have formed intricate social systems before the advent of agriculture.
Carbon dating: Carbon dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains. This technique is essential for archaeologists, as it helps to establish timelines for historical sites and artifacts, allowing researchers to understand the chronology of human societies and their developments.
çayönü: Çayönü is an important archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, known for its early Neolithic settlement dating back to around 7500 BCE. This site plays a significant role in understanding the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities, which was crucial for the development of human civilization. Çayönü features unique architectural structures and early evidence of domesticated plants and animals, shedding light on the social and cultural practices of its inhabitants.
Circular structures: Circular structures refer to architectural designs that are formed in a circular shape, often associated with specific cultural or ceremonial purposes. In archaeological contexts, these structures can indicate gathering places for rituals, community activities, or even signify social hierarchies. At Göbekli Tepe, these structures play a pivotal role in understanding the early human experience, showcasing the transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled communities focused on shared beliefs and practices.
Complex stone structures: Complex stone structures refer to large, intricate formations made primarily of stone, often featuring unique architectural designs and serving various functions within prehistoric societies. These structures can signify social or religious importance, reflecting the advanced engineering capabilities of early human civilizations, particularly as seen in monumental sites like Göbekli Tepe.
Cultural significance: Cultural significance refers to the importance of an object, site, or practice within a particular culture, highlighting its value in terms of history, identity, and tradition. It encompasses how these elements contribute to understanding the beliefs and practices of a society, influencing how people interact with their heritage and environment.
Early human settlement patterns: Early human settlement patterns refer to the ways in which prehistoric humans established communities, utilized resources, and interacted with their environments. These patterns are influenced by factors such as climate, geography, available resources, and social structures, shaping how and where groups lived. Understanding these patterns is crucial to studying the development of agriculture, trade, and the rise of complex societies.
Fertile crescent: The fertile crescent is a crescent-shaped region in the Middle East, known for its rich soil and favorable climate, which made it one of the earliest areas of agriculture and civilization. This region encompasses parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, and is often regarded as the cradle of civilization due to its historical significance in human development. It provided the ideal conditions for early farming communities and complex societies to flourish.
German Archaeological Institute: The German Archaeological Institute (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, DAI) is a leading institution for archaeological research in Germany, established in 1829. It promotes and conducts archaeological studies globally, with a focus on the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of archaeological knowledge. The DAI has been pivotal in significant excavations, including those at Göbekli Tepe, which is crucial for understanding early human societies.
Göbekli Tepe: Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, known for its monumental stone structures and intricate carvings, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period around 9600 to 9500 BCE. This site represents one of the earliest known examples of monumental architecture and is significant for understanding the cultural and social developments of early human societies.
Hunter-gatherer societies: Hunter-gatherer societies are groups of people who rely on hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants for their food, rather than practicing agriculture or animal husbandry. These societies are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, social structures based on kinship, and deep knowledge of their environment. They played a crucial role in the early development of human cultures, influencing social organization and resource management.
Klaus Schmidt: Klaus Schmidt was a prominent German archaeologist known for his groundbreaking work on Göbekli Tepe, a significant archaeological site in southeastern Turkey. His research focused on the site's monumental structures and their implications for understanding early human societies, particularly in relation to the transition from hunter-gatherer to sedentary agricultural lifestyles. Schmidt's discoveries at Göbekli Tepe have reshaped perceptions of prehistoric culture and spirituality.
Lee Clare: Lee Clare is a prominent archaeologist known for his significant contributions to the excavation and analysis of Göbekli Tepe, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. His work has focused on understanding the complex social and cultural dynamics that existed during the time of Göbekli Tepe's construction, highlighting its implications for the study of early human societies and their relationship with religion and monumental architecture.
Neolithic: The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, marks a significant era in human history characterized by the development of agriculture and the domestication of plants and animals. This transition from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settled farming communities led to profound changes in social structure, technology, and culture, ultimately setting the stage for the rise of civilizations.
Nevalı Çori: Nevalı Çori is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey, recognized for its significance in understanding early Neolithic culture and the development of sedentism. This site, which dates back to around 9000 BCE, features impressive stone structures and is considered one of the earliest known examples of a monumental architecture, paralleling the later discoveries at Göbekli Tepe. The findings at Nevalı Çori have provided crucial insights into the transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled communities.
Pre-pottery neolithic: The pre-pottery neolithic refers to a significant period in human history that occurred approximately between 10,000 and 8,000 BCE, marking the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. During this time, people began to domesticate plants and animals and establish permanent settlements, paving the way for the development of complex societies. This period is crucial for understanding early human civilization, particularly in relation to monumental architecture and ritual practices.
Regional importance: Regional importance refers to the significance of a location or archaeological site within its geographic context, highlighting its influence and connections to surrounding areas. This concept emphasizes how local resources, culture, and interactions with neighboring regions shape the identity and historical narrative of a place. In relation to significant archaeological discoveries, understanding regional importance allows for a deeper appreciation of how these sites contributed to broader historical trends and developments.
şanlıurfa museum: The şanlıurfa museum is a prominent archaeological museum located in the city of Şanlıurfa, Turkey, known for housing a vast collection of artifacts from various archaeological sites in the region, particularly those related to Göbekli Tepe. It plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations that inhabited the area.
Systematic excavations: Systematic excavations refer to a structured and methodical approach to archaeological digging, focusing on thorough data collection and careful documentation of artifacts, features, and the context in which they are found. This technique is essential for uncovering the stratigraphy of a site, allowing archaeologists to understand the chronological sequence of human activity. By employing careful planning and consistent methodology, systematic excavations enhance the accuracy of findings and contribute to the overall understanding of past cultures and societies.
T-shaped pillars: T-shaped pillars are large, upright stone structures that resemble the letter 'T' and are a hallmark feature of Göbekli Tepe, one of the earliest known archaeological sites. These pillars not only served a structural purpose in the construction of the monumental enclosures at the site, but they also held significant symbolic and ritualistic importance, often intricately carved with depictions of animals and abstract motifs.