Terrazzo flooring predates Roman invention by millennia. Terrazzo flooring found in abundance at Karahan Tepe - hundreds of square meters Ancient builders heated limestone to 850°C to create powdery form This process was previously credited to Romans only

Archaeological discovery at Karahan Tepe reveals ancient waterproof cement technique previously credited to Romans 🏗️🔬

Key facts:

- Terrazzo-like flooring discovered at Karahan Tepe in Turkey, dating to Pre-Pottery Neolithic period

- Ancient builders heated limestone to create powdery cement (estimated around 850°C based on similar techniques)

- The resulting cement was waterproof and used for floors

- This predates Roman-era cement techniques by millennia

- Findings are part of ongoing excavations at this Pre-Pottery Neolithic site when no pottery existed

Key Facts

  • Terrazzo flooring found in abundance at Karahan Tepe - hundreds of square meters
  • Ancient builders heated limestone to 850°C to create powdery form
  • This process was previously credited to Romans only
  • The resulting cement was waterproof and used for floors and filling gaps
  • This is part of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era when no pottery existed

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