What is believed by most scholars to be the world's first known town that dates back to 6,500 b.c.?

History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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Çatalhoyiuk, located in present-day Turkey, is believed by most scholars to be one of the world's first known towns, dating back to around 6,500 B.C. Çatalhöyük is an archaeological site that provides valuable insights into the Neolithic period, particularly the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agricultural communities.

The site was first excavated in the 1960s and 1970s by archaeologist James Mellaart, and later excavations have continued under different teams. Çatalhöyük is characterized by its densely packed mud-brick houses, often built touching one another, with roofs serving as walkways. The site reveals evidence of advanced social organization, with no clear streets and access to the houses from the roofs.

Archaeological findings at Çatalhöyük include intricate wall paintings, pottery, and other artifacts that provide insights into the daily life, religious beliefs, and social structure of its ancient inhabitants. The site is significant in the study of early human civilization and urbanization, and it has contributed to our understanding of the development of agriculture and settled communities in the Neolithic period.