The Site

Welcome to Çatalhöyük, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Since the 1960s, excavations have uncovered a densely packed Neolithic (New Stone Age) settlement which dates back 9000 years.

Today all that is visible on the surface of Çatalhöyük is two mounds: the smaller and more recent to the west of the site and the larger and more ancient to the east. However, scratch beneath the surface and the remnants of one of the most complicated societies of its time are revealed! A team of experts from around the world are currently working together to understand the lives of the people who lived here.

The East Mound of Çatalhöyük at sunrise. Photograph taken by Scott Haddow.
The East Mound of Çatalhöyük at sunrise. Photograph taken by Jason Quinlan.

Discover what we currently know about Çatalhöyük and its people by exploring The Rise and Fall of a Neolithic Town, Architecture, Life at Çatalhöyük and The West Mound.

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