Why in news
Over 9,000 years ago, residents of the Neolithic settlement of Catal Huyuk did just this.
Located in present-day Turkey, Catal Huyuk dates to the late Stone Age.
Making it older than the well-known Indus Valley Civilisation in Asia.
The much-visited Stonehenge in Britain, and over six millenia before the founding of Rome.
It was occupied for around 2,000 years and possibly had up to 8,000 people living in it.
But the city had no streets.
The roofs were the main method of getting around.
Why in news
Location: Southern Anatolia, Turkey (present-day Konya province)
Time Period: Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras, dating from around 7500 BCE to 6400 BCE (flourished around 7000 BCE)
Significance: One of the largest and most well-preserved settlements from the early Neolithic period
Lifestyle:
Settled farmers and herders (cattle)
Possible evidence of social stratification and specialization
Architecture:
Unique "beehive" style houses built next to each other, accessed through rooftops
Houses decorated with elaborate wall paintings and reliefs depicting animals, humans, and hunting scenes
No apparent streets or formal planning
Religion/Beliefs:
Evidence of veneration of bulls and a mother goddess figure
Ritual burials within the houses
Legacy:
Provides valuable insights into the social organization, art, and religious beliefs of early human settlements
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
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