Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered 8,000-year-old petroglyphs in Kayseri's Develi district, predating the Hittite Empire. These engravings on volcanic rock depict human and animal figures, offering insights into the symbolic expression of early Anatolian communities.
Hollywood is set to produce “The Man from Hattusha,” a historical epic based on a novel by Turkish archaeologist Ahmet Çelik, detailing a pivotal diplomatic mission between the Hittite and Egyptian empires around 3,350 years ago. The film, backed by “Avatar” producer Shawn Anthony Sequeira and Emmy-winning director Nazim Hajiyev, aims to bring the little-known history of the powerful Hittite civilization to a global audience and potentially mark a breakthrough moment for Turkish cinema. The story centers on an envoy sent to negotiate a marriage alliance following the death of Tutankhamun, promising a narrative rich in political intrigue and cultural exchange.
A newly deciphered Hittite tablet offers potential connections between Bronze Age Anatolia and the epic tradition of Homer’s Iliad, including references to figures and places associated with the Trojan War and a Luwian poetic fragment echoing the Iliad's opening.
A study combining archaeology and genetics, published in Science, reveals that the spread of Neolithic practices from Anatolia wasn't solely due to migration. Researchers found evidence of significant genetic continuity in West Anatolia over 7,000 years, despite cultural shifts like the adoption of agriculture and settled lifestyles. This suggests ideas and technologies spread without large-scale population movement in many areas. Some regions did experience migration and genetic mixing around 7,000 BCE, and later in the Aegean, but the overall picture is one of cultural diffusion occurring alongside, and often independently of, population shifts. The study highlights the importance of supporting research in the regions directly related to the questions being investigated and demonstrates a new methodology for integrating genomic and archaeological data.
A 3,300-year-old bronze helmet discovered in central Turkey provides insights into the Hittite Empire's military prowess, religious beliefs, and craftsmanship. Found in Şapinuva, it served both as military protection and a religious offering to the Storm God.
Researchers found living quarters of an ancient civilization, which disproved earlier theories that the site served solely as a ceremonial pilgrimage destination.
The article discusses recent excavations at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient Neolithic archaeological site in southeastern Anatolia. Key findings include the discovery of living quarters, which challenges the earlier theory that the site was solely a ceremonial pilgrimage destination. Göbekli Tepe, dating back to around 10,000 BCE, is known for its monumental T-shaped pillars and is considered one of the earliest known temples. The site's complexity and interconnectedness of societies suggest that religion and spirituality played significant roles in early human development. Recent discoveries at nearby sites like Karahantepe have revealed similar monumental structures, further enriching our understanding of prehistory.
The article discusses recent excavations at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient Neolithic archaeological site in southeastern Anatolia. Key findings include the discovery of living quarters, which challenges the earlier theory that the site was solely a ceremonial pilgrimage destination. Göbekli Tepe, dating back to around 10,000 BCE, is known for its monumental T-shaped pillars and is considered one of the earliest known temples. The site's complexity and interconnectedness of societies suggest that religion and spirituality played significant roles in early human development. Recent discoveries at nearby sites like Karahantepe have revealed similar monumental structures, further enriching our understanding of prehistory.
