Proto-writing evidence found on plaqueettes at Göbekli Tepe

Proto-writing evidence found on plaqueettes at Göbekli Tepe. A plaqueette with series of markings has been found at Göbekli Tepe Irving Finkel, cuneiform expert, argues this is evidence of pictographic proto-writing This predates the development of complex urbanism by thousands of years

Population in the Near East surged dramatically between ~12,000-11,000 BC, just as monumental architecture like Göbekli Tepe emerged. Researchers theorize ritual/ceremonial spaces may have drawn humans together BEFORE permanent settlements and cities developed. The region was lush with abundant game and foraged plants. Built in phases over centuries, people returned repeatedly to expand the site and celebrate feasts together.

Key facts claimed:

- A plaqueette with series of markings has been found at Göbekli Tepe

- Some researchers argue this is evidence of pictographic proto-writing, predating the development of complex urbanism by thousands of years

- At least three other artifacts of this type have been discovered

- The site may have required some form of recordkeeping system to manage large groups working on it

Key Facts

• A plaqueette with series of markings has been found at Göbekli Tepe
• Irving Finkel, cuneiform expert, argues this is evidence of pictographic proto-writing
• This predates the development of complex urbanism by thousands of years
• At least three other artifacts of this type have been discovered
• The site may have required some form of recordkeeping system to manage large groups working on it
• Excavations between 1994 and 2014 uncovered only 5-10% of the total site

Related site: Göbekli Tepe — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Two Surprising Theories About Gobekli Tepe by The Historian's Craft