2. CL103 - PPT2

CL 103: Introduction to Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology

Kleiner, Chapter 1: The Neolithic Period in Anatolia and Mesopotamia

  • Focus of discussion from pages 23-27 of Kleiner's work.

The Stone Age in Anatolia and Mesopotamia

  • The term "Stone Age" denotes the period characterized by the use of stone tools.

  • Divided into:

  • Paleolithic (Old Stone Age)

  • Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)

  • Neolithic (New Stone Age) from c. 8500-5000 BCE, significant for establishing permanent settlements.

  • Interest in periods leading up to the Neolithic, spanning c. 35,000-8500 BCE.

Geographical Overview

  • Key locations mentioned:

  • Göbekli Tepe, Çatal Hüyuk, Jericho, Ain Ghazal.

  • Map highlights: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and various surrounding regions including Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

Archaeological Site Terminology

  • Tell (Arabic), Tepe (Persian), Höyük (Turkish): Relates to artificial mounds that indicate ancient settlements.

  • These mounds often encompass layers of history from various time periods.

The Construction and Significance of Mud-brick Structures

  • Modern mud-brick constructions: indications of human adaptation and settlement patterns.

  • Traditional methods of making mud bricks involved mixing clay and straw; bricks were often left unbaked to maintain flexibility and lightness.

  • Techniques to improve waterproof quality integrated organic material into the construction process.

The Engineering of Settlements

  • Asikli Hüyük: An example of an artificial mound where prior structures were leveled and new constructions were established over time.

Göbekli Tepe

  • Dating around 9000-8200 BCE, noted for its elaborate circular temple structures, with at least 20 circular buildings, many yet to be excavated.

  • Significance as one of the oldest ceremonial sites where new structures were built atop previous ones.

Architectural Features of Göbekli Tepe

  • Outer diameter of the temples is substantial, indicating significant labor and resources invested in construction.

  • Walls were crafted with precision, supported by T-shaped piers set at right angles to enhance stability.

  • Central area contained two large T-shaped piers, towering up to 18ft and weighing approximately 16 tons.

Functional Aspects of Göbekli Tepe

  • Access methods to inner rooms involved banks of earth, suggesting functionality related to ritualistic practices.

Symbolism at Göbekli Tepe

  • Reliefs on piers commonly exhibit representations of local fauna, possibly reflecting spiritual or protective beliefs of the community. Examples include boars, cranes, foxes, and snakes.

  • Figures appearing to engage in ritualistic dance or meeting, potentially tied to organized religious practices that were emerging in the Neolithic period.

The Neolithic Revolution

  • Described as a transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities, primarily in response to environmental changes following the last Ice Age around 9600 BCE.

  • Introduction of organized religion tied to agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for social cooperation and community bonding.

Settlements of Note in the Neolithic Period

  • Catal Hüyük and Jericho: These locations are cited as some of the earliest known examples of permanent settlements with complex social structures.

  • Jericho, dated to 8000-7000 BCE, features impressive wall and tower constructs, symbolizing communal efforts and possibly defensive strategies.

Burial Practices in Jericho

  • Special treatment of skulls suggests ritual significance; some skulls were plastered and adorned, indicating ancestral veneration or social customs.

Artistic Expressions

  • Evidence of Neolithic plaster figurines found at sites like Ain Ghazal, indicative of societal values or religious practices.

Çatal Hüyük

  • Settled around 6500-5700 BCE, notable for its vast area of around 33.5 acres and an estimated population of 5000-8000.

  • Unique aspects include the roof-based lifestyle where communal activities took place on rooftops, reflecting architectural innovations of the time.

  • Interior design reflected functional divisions for living spaces, cooking, and ritual behaviors.

Artistic and Ritualistic Symbolism

  • Decorative elements often included animal remains and stylized motifs, highlighting the integration of daily life with spiritual practices.

  • Wall paintings and artistic renditions signify cultural narratives, possibly illustrating hunting scenes, rituals, and ceremonial practices of the inhabitants.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of the transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles during the Neolithic period and its implications on social structures, religious practices, and architectural advancements.