First Intact Human Graves Discovered in Göbeklitepe Excavations
In Göbeklitepe, one of the world's oldest monumental building complexes, two intact human graves dating back approximately 10,000 years have been discovered for the first time since excavations began in 1995.
During ongoing excavations at Göbeklitepe, ranked among the world's oldest monumental building complexes, two largely intact human graves dating back roughly 10,000 years have been uncovered for the first time since 1995.
A Historic First in Göbeklitepe
At Göbeklitepe—one of the world's oldest monumental building complexes, locally known as Girê Miraza—human graves largely preserving their integrity have been brought to light for the first time since excavation work started in 1995. The discovery of the two graves, dated to approximately 10,000 years ago, has caused great excitement in the scientific world.
Dated to 8700-8000 BC
In a study conducted by researchers from the German Archaeological Institute and published in the journal PLOS One, two separate burials dating between 8700 and 8000 BC were identified. One of the graves contains the skeletons of an adult woman, a young male, and an adolescent girl.
Young Female Skeleton Found
In the other grave, skeletal remains of a young woman estimated to be in her 20s or early 30s were reached. It was determined that the woman was laid on her side and buried in a position with her legs drawn toward her body.
Evidence of a Settlement Area
The discovery of the new graves significantly reinforced views that Göbeklitepe was not merely a center used for ceremonies during certain periods, but could also have been a settlement where people lived for longer periods.
Differences from Previous Findings
Human bones had previously been found in Göbeklitepe, but these remains mostly appeared scattered within the fill layers of large structures. The newly discovered graves provided brand-new data regarding the origin of human remains at the site.
Reasons for Bones Reaching the Site
Regarding how the bones arrived at the monumental areas, researchers focus on two main theories: ritualistic transport versus erosion and soil movements. It is stated that the current new findings are more consistent with natural soil movements.
Transition from Ceremonial Center to Settlement
Located near Urfa and renowned for its T-shaped obelisks, discussions that Göbeklitepe was not just an area where hunter-gatherers gathered for ceremonies but also harbored traces of permanent life have gained momentum with this new archaeological discovery.