Catalhoyuk
Neolithic proto-city in Anatolia, known for egalitarian structure and murals.
Çatalhöyük is a tell (mounded accretion from long-term settlement) of a large Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city in southern Anatolia, overlooking the Konya Plain near present-day Konya, Turkey.
- location
- Southern Anatolia, near Konya, Turkey
- area
- Eastern Mound ~12.5 ha; Western Mound ~8.5 ha
- known for
- Large proto-city, egalitarian society, well-preserved Neolithic settlement
Lore & Background
Hodder's Çatalhöyük Research Project ended in 2018, emphasizing digital methodologies and community involvement.
Reader's Guide
Çatalhöyük is significant as one of the earliest and best-preserved examples of a large Neolithic proto-city, offering insights into early urban life without evidence of a centralized authority or public buildings. Its apparent egalitarian social structure, with houses clustered together and rooftops serving as streets, challenges traditional views of early complex societies. The site's rich material culture—including obsidian tools, textiles, clay figurines, and vivid murals—provides a window into Neolithic ritual and daily life. The controversy over Mellaart's fabricated wall paintings and figurines underscores the importance of rigorous archaeological methodology. Ongoing excavations continue to refine understanding of the site's social organization, burial practices, and long-term occupation across both mounds.
Did You Know?
- Çatalhöyük was composed entirely of domestic buildings with no obvious public buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catalhoyuk?
Catalhoyuk is a vast Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city situated in southern Anatolia, overlooking the Konya Plain near today's city of Konya, Turkey. Its two main mounds cover roughly 21 hectares combined, making it one of the earliest known examples of a large, densely packed permanent settlement.
What is special about Catalhoyuk's social structure?
The site is celebrated for showing an apparently egalitarian community, with little archaeological trace of a ruling class or sharp wealth inequality. This stands in sharp contrast to later ancient cities where power and resources were concentrated among a small elite.
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