The World’s Oldest 10 Settlement Sites
Do you know the world’s oldest settlements? Let’s explore them together.
Göbekli Tepe (Şanlıurfa, Turkey):
Dating back to approximately 9600 to 9500 BCE, Göbekli Tepe is considered the world’s oldest known temple complex. The most prominent feature of this archaeological site is its massive circular structures made of large stone pillars. These pillars bear animal figures and reliefs. The discovery of Göbekli Tepe was a significant surprise for archaeologists, as it suggests early temples beyond what was previously thought, possibly representing the beginning of the transition to settled life for hunter-gatherer communities.
Çatalhöyük (Konya, Turkey):
Dating from approximately 7500 to 5700 BCE, Çatalhöyük is a large Neolithic settlement estimated to have housed around 10,000 people. This ancient city is one of the largest settlements constructed in Anatolia. Çatalhöyük is known for its complex structures, textile works, ceramic production, and wall paintings. It represents the beginning of agriculture-based settled life and is an important source for studying the evolution of societal structure.
Jericho (West Bank):
Jericho, established around 8000 BCE, is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Middle East. This ancient city has the world’s oldest walls, believed to have been constructed around the 8th millennium BCE. Jericho is known as a place where agriculture developed, marking the emergence of the first settled life.
Catalina Island (California, USA):
Catalina Island, located in the state of California, USA, has traces of settlements dating back to 7000 to 2500 BCE. During this period, people living on the island sustained themselves by fishing and gathering plants.
Jiahu (China):
Jiahu is a Neolithic settlement in China, with traces dating back approximately 7,000 years. Excavations at Jiahu have revealed significant archaeological finds related to musical instruments and religious rituals.
Aleppo (Syria):
Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Syria, dating back to around 6000 BCE. Aleppo’s history, hosting various civilizations, adds to the allure of this significant city.
Catal Huyuk (Turkmenistan):
Catal Huyuk, located in Turkmenistan, is considered a settlement dating back to 5000 BCE.
Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan):
As part of the Indus Valley Civilization, Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient Indian city that existed between 2600 and 1900 BCE. Mohenjo-Daro is famous for its structures, streets, and sophisticated water management systems.
Cayonu Tepesi (Southeast Turkey):
Cayonu Tepesi is a large Neolithic settlement dating back to around 7200 BCE. The site contains evidence of communities engaged in agriculture and hunting.
Ur (Iraq):
Ur is an ancient city that hosted the Sumerians, one of Mesopotamia’s oldest civilizations. Tablets with cuneiform script found in Ur contain historical records, legal codes, and religious texts dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.
These oldest settlements are of great importance in understanding humanity’s transition to settled life, the development of agriculture, and cultural changes. Additionally, these regions serve as crucial areas for archaeologists to trace the history of humanity.
