Neolithic 'Amphitheater' for rituals unearthed in southeastern Türkiye
Archaeologists in Türkiye have discovered a 17-meter Neolithic structure with tiered seating resembling an amphitheater at the Karahantepe site. The finding, which includes unique seated human figurines, signals a major shift from animal to human symbolism in early settled communities.
A significant Neolithic structure designed like an amphitheater has been uncovered at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Türkiye's Sanliurfa province. Believed to have been used for ritual gatherings, the 17-meter-wide construction features broad, three-tiered seating and contains unique seated human figurines placed on the floor and set into its walls. The discovery forms part of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Legacy for the Future" Project, providing remarkable new insights into early settled communities in the region.
A Gradual Shift in Symbolic Focus
According to excavation head Necmi Karul, the findings at Karahantepe reveal a crucial cultural transition. "These are very unique finds, showing that prehistoric people increasingly focused on human figurines over time, while earlier periods were dominated by animal symbolism," Karul explained. This marks a significant evolution in symbolic representation, tracing a clear path from earlier animal-focused iconography toward a greater emphasis on human forms during the Neolithic era in this part of Anatolia.
An Architectural Blueprint for Community
The structure's design, with its focal points and seating arrangements, suggests it was intended to host communal gatherings. Karul noted that this architectural style had not been previously documented in the region and appears to represent a precursor to later amphitheaters and odeons. Evidence indicates that large groups gathered inside the building, with figurines strategically arranged at key locations, pointing to its role as a social and ritual space rather than a temple with a more limited function.
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Understanding Early Settled Life
The discovery provides valuable context for understanding how early communities organized themselves after transitioning to settled life. Karul suggested that "with the advent of settled life, there was a need for spaces that facilitated communal living, which likely led to the construction of such buildings." Settlement at Karahantepe began around 9400 BCE and continued until the 8th millennium BCE, with archaeologists identifying three distinct phases of architectural development from round-plan structures to true-cornered constructions.
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