Overview
This lecture discusses Çatalhöyük, one of the world's oldest known Neolithic settlements, highlighting its discovery, structure, daily life, and significance in the transition from foraging to farming.
Discovery and Significance
- Çatalhöyük is a Neolithic site near the Turkish city of Chania, discovered in 1958.
- Archaeologist James Mellaart led its excavation from 1958 to 1964, with work resuming in the 1990s.
- The site is famous for its age (about 10,000 years old), size, and extensive artwork.
- Its discovery proved that organized, permanent settlements predate previously held assumptions.
Neolithic Revolution and Settlement Life
- The Neolithic Revolution (10,000–7,000 BCE) marks the shift from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies.
- Çatalhöyük reflects this transition, supporting a population of 5,000–10,000 people.
- Villagers grew wheat, barley, lentils, peas, and herded sheep, goats, and cattle.
- Surplus food storage allowed for other activities like art and religious practices.
Housing and Urban Layout
- Houses were densely packed in a maze-like formation with few, if any, streets.
- Entry was through roof holes, using ladders, with rooftops functioning as communal walkways.
- Homes contained fire pits for cooking and warmth, with smoke exiting through roof openings.
- Villagers maintained cleanliness inside homes and used trash heaps outside town for waste disposal.
Social Structure and Culture
- Evidence suggests an egalitarian society, with no distinct palaces or high-status residences.
- There are no clear signs of significant social hierarchies.
Religion and Art
- Numerous female figurines indicate potential goddess worship or reverence for female deities.
- Bull heads mounted on walls may have served religious or symbolic purposes.
- Wall paintings and religious objects are prominent archaeological findings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Çatalhöyük — An early Neolithic settlement in modern-day Turkey.
- Neolithic Revolution — Transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.
- Egalitarian — Social system where individuals have equal status without pronounced hierarchies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of Neolithic settlements for comparison.
- Read about the broader impacts of the Neolithic Revolution on human society.