Archaeologists uncover structures 7,000 years older than Stonehenge

"Archaeologists have unearthed ancient structures in Turkey that could represent the world's earliest human settlement. The discovery was made at Mendik Tepe, near Göbekli Tepe, the 12,000-year-old site known for its monumental stone pillars and early rituals. Experts noted that the new structures may predate Göbekli Tepe and are likely nearly 7,000 years older than Stonehenge, placing them at the very cusp of the Neolithic Revolution."

"Unlike Göbekli Tepe, famous for its T-shaped pillars adorned with intricate carvings, Mendik Tepe features upright rectangular stones, suggesting a distinct architectural and cultural identity. Since excavations began in 2024, the team has uncovered a range of oval-shaped structures, some with elaborate stone walls and fragments of decorated stone vessels. These findings indicate a sophisticated society capable of complex construction and artistic expression."

"Dr Necmi Karul, project coordinator, said: 'Mendik Tepe is an extremely important site for understanding the first settlers in the region.' The structures vary significantly in size and function, offering clues to the social organization of these ancient communities. Smaller buildings, measuring a few feet across, may have served practical purposes such as storage or food preparation, while medium-sized structures could have been dwellings."

Mendik Tepe, located in the Payamlı neighborhood of Şanlıurfa's Eyyübiye district, contains ancient oval-shaped structures and upright rectangular stones that suggest a distinct architectural tradition. Radiocarbon and contextual evidence indicate the site may predate Göbekli Tepe and could be nearly 7,000 years older than Stonehenge, placing it at the onset of the Neolithic Revolution. Excavations since 2024 have revealed elaborate stone walls, decorated stone vessel fragments, and buildings of varying sizes and functions. Smaller structures likely served storage or food preparation, medium-sized units as dwellings, and larger 13–16-foot constructions show meticulous stonework consistent with ritual or communal use.

Read at Mail Online