Hundreds of olive trees planted on buried ruins preventing excavation. Four orchards of olive trees planted on top of buried ruins at Göbekli Tepe Trees planted more than a decade after excavations first began Aerial photographs from 2004 show no trees; recent photos show orchards present
Olive trees now grow atop unexcavated areas at Göbekli Tepe. Aerial photos from 2004 show no trees; recent photos show orchards present. The trees—planted by previous private landowners before the government took control of the land over a decade ago to increase its value—are now being relocated by Turkish authorities to safeguard ancient artifacts, with the head of excavation refuting reports of suspended excavation. 🌳
Key Facts
- Four orchards of olive trees planted on top of buried ruins at Göbekli Tepe
- Trees planted more than a decade after excavations first began
- Aerial photographs from 2004 show no trees; recent photos show orchards present
- Archaeologist confirmed trees were planted on buried ancient ruins
- Tree roots could potentially damage ancient ruins
- Trees prevent full excavation of the site
Related site: Göbekli Tepe — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Gobekli Tepe “Situation” is WORSE Than I Thought by Bright Insight