Five round stone towers discovered at Tell Qaramel, including monumental 7.5m structure. Five round stone tower structures identified Three towers date to H1 (12,890-11,670 years ago) Most monumental tower built in H2 (12,670-11,250 years ago)
Archaeologists found five round stone towers at Tell Qaramel! The most impressive is a 7.5m diameter structure with walls 2.25m thick, built using unshaped stones up to 80cm long set in red clay. Three towers date to 12,890-11,670 years ago, with the monumental one built slightly later. One tower shows fire damage in antiquity. Researchers suggest these may have been defensive towers or part of an early fortification system. Absolutely stunning engineering for this period.
Key Facts
- Five round stone tower structures identified
- Three towers date to H1 (12,890-11,670 years ago)
- Most monumental tower built in H2 (12,670-11,250 years ago)
- Tower has diameter of 7.5m with walls 2.25m thick
- Outer and inner wall faces built using unshaped stones up to 80cm in length
- Walls filled with smaller stones set in red clay
- Tower damaged by fire in antiquity
- Speculated to be defensive tower or part of fortification line
- Fourth tower built in H3 over ruins of large H2 tower
Related site: Tell Qaramel — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 12,890-Years-Old! YOUNGER DRYAS Settlement of Tell Qaramel | Ancient Architects by Ancient Architects