VIDEO 12,000-Year-Old Site in Turkey is OLDER than Gobekli Tepe! New Discoveries at Boncuklu Tarla

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12,000-Year-Old Site in Turkey is OLDER than Gobekli Tepe! New Discoveries at Boncuklu Tarla The archaeological site of Boncuklu Tarla in Mardin, Turkey, has recently grabbed headlines for its groundbreaking discoveries that could significantly alter our understanding of early human civilization. Recent findings indicate that this site is not only ancient but also predates the renowned Gobekli Tepe by about 1,000 years, dating back approximately 12,000 years.

Insights from Boncuklu Tarla​

Excavations at Boncuklu Tarla have revealed nearly 30 houses, six public structures, and the skeletal remains of 130 individuals. Among the astonishing finds are over 100,000 beads and what some researchers believe to be the earliest temple constructed by humans. These insights suggest that Boncuklu Tarla was a vibrant community, potentially functioning as a small city rather than merely a village.

Architectural Distinctions​

What makes Boncuklu Tarla particularly intriguing are its architectural features:

• Silo Structures: Unique design elements with structures that include private homes and public buildings, which differ from other known tepe sites across Turkey.
• Temple Design: The temple discovered at the site has a diameter of about 10 meters and displays a ceremonial setup, including monolithic pillars and altars reminiscent of later sites like Chattahook.
• Religious Significance: The pillars within the temple do not serve to support a roof, indicating their primary role was likely religious.

Interestingly, some of the beads found include raw copper, hinting at a level of technological sophistication previously unimagined for that era.

Broader Historical Implications​

Dr. Ergul Kodas, an expert in ancient architecture, emphasized that Boncuklu Tarla encompasses various phases of human history during the transition from the Epipaleolithic to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B periods. This transition period is crucial as it likely reflects the movement of ancient peoples and their cultural exchanges, evidenced by similarities to other sites like Gobekli Tepe but also showcasing unique features that suggest a distinctive community. The significance of these findings cannot be overstated. They may suggest that the roots of civilization might extend further east than previously thought, shifting the narrative of early urbanization and complex societies in the region.

Continuing Discoveries​

The excavations, which began in 2012, hint at the possibility of an even larger settlement that remains buried. Archaeologists anticipate more discoveries that could reveal the full extent of Boncuklu Tarla's place in human history. The site could potentially reshape our understanding of how ancient civilizations accessed agricultural practices and began to settle in larger communities. In summary, Boncuklu Tarla is emerging as one of the most crucial archaeological sites of the 21st century, potentially redefining our timeline of human civilization. As more findings come to light, we can expect further fascinating developments in the study of ancient history.​

What are your thoughts on these recent discoveries? How do you think this will influence our understanding of early civilizations in the Fertile Crescent? Feel free to share your insights or related experiences below!