New excavations north of Göbekli Tepe target a sunken hollow hiding at least three oval buildings. Geophysical data hints at a massive central oval possibly larger than any previously found. Some were remodeled multiple times, shrinking with successive inner walls. Rectangular domestic structures on higher ground between four hollows suggest a settlement occupied for hundreds of years, 10,000-12,000 years ago.
New northern excavation zone expected to yield more oval buildings
TürkiyeExcavation
Key facts
- New excavations target land to the north of the famous oval buildings with T-shaped pillars
- The new excavation area contains a noticeable sunken hollow likely hiding at least three oval special-purpose buildings
- Geophysical data suggests one large central oval building that may be larger than any previously found at the site
- Some of the anticipated buildings appear to have been remodeled multiple times, shrinking as new walls were built inside earlier phases
- A central large oval building shows the best contrast in ground-penetrating radar data, suggesting good preservation
- Domestic rectangular structures are expected on the higher ground surrounding the sunken oval buildings
- The site landscape features four main hollows with high ground in between
- Buildings are constructed by digging a deep hole, placing T-shaped pillars around the perimeter and center, erecting a stone boundary wall coated with lime plaster, then adding a roof
- Analysis shows oval buildings were decommissioned over centuries, likely due to natural slope-slide damage from earthquakes or storms rather than deliberate ritual burial
- Domestic structures on higher ground show the site was a long-term settlement occupied for hundreds of years by people living between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago
Site mentioned
Sources
New finds in Turkey's southeast add to picture of Neolithic age | Reutersreuters.com
Turkey reveals some 30 new Neolithic artefacts Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe reshaping understanding of prehistory Main site expected to attract 800 ...
Göbekli Tepe - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Recent excavations have been more limited than Schmidt's, focusing on detailed documentation and conservation of the areas already exposed.
Excavations at Göbekli Tepe continue to yield findings | The Jerusalem Postjpost.com
So far, only about 10% of the Göbekli Tepe site was excavated, and it is likely to take around 150 years to excavate the full site.
excavation – Tepe Telegramsdainst.blog
During the 2009 and 2010 excavation seasons at Göbekli Tepe, several new trenches at the northwestern hilltop of the tell were opened. Below the plough horizon, ...
(PDF) Göbekli Tepe – the Stone Age Sanctuaries. New results of ...researchgate.net
Göbekli Tepe – the Stone Age Sanctuaries. New results of ongoing excavations with a special focus on sculptures and high reliefs. December 2010 ...
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