Neolithic Era Tomb Found at Göbeklitepe Excavation Site
The discovery of a new tomb, dated between 8700-8000 BC, reveals that Göbeklitepe was not only a center of faith but also a multifunctional settlement.
A new tomb dated between 8700-8000 BC, containing the remains of three individuals, has been discovered in excavation area L09-65 at Göbeklitepe.
Remains Identified in the Tomb
Bones belonging to a 35-year-old woman, a man aged 20 to 30, and a girl aged 11 to 14 were identified in the tomb discovered in excavation area L09-65. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that the burials date back to between 8700-8000 BC.
Multifunctional Neolithic Settlement
The new findings clearly demonstrate that Göbeklitepe was not just a faith complex, but also a multifunctional Neolithic settlement where people lived and buried their dead.
Reason for the Distribution of Remains Across the Area
Researchers evaluate that some of the scattered human bones previously found in the region may have been carried to the area by landslides and soil movements rather than rituals. As the settlement grew, the downward movement of soil and rubble along the slope dispersed the remains.
Special Post-Mortem Treatments
Cut marks seen on some skulls do not completely rule out previous findings suggesting that the dead may have been subjected to special post-mortem treatments at Göbeklitepe. Different burial practices are being investigated.