Excavating a structure 7,000 years older than Stonehenge, history must be rewritten

Archaeologists have unearthed structures in Türkiye that are 7,000 years older than Stonehenge, helping to reshape human history.

During excavations at Mendik Tepe, near Türkiye's 12,000-year-old Göbekli Tepe, archaeologists have unearthed ancient structures that may represent the earliest human settlement. Photo: Institute for Field Research.

According to experts, the newly discovered ancient structures may be older than Göbekli Tepe and older than Stonehenge (UK) by about 7,000 years, extending the timeline of organized settlements and massive architectural works far beyond the previous understanding of researchers. Photo: Department of Archaeology, University of Liverpool, UK.

The excavation site is located in the Payamlı countryside, Eyyübiye District, Şanlıurfa Province. Unlike Göbekli Tepe, which is famous for its intricately carved T-pillars, Mendik Tepe features upright rectangular blocks, suggesting a distinct architectural and cultural identity. Photo: Institute for Field Research.

Since excavations began in 2024, archaeologists have uncovered numerous oval structures, some with elaborate stone walls, and fragments of stone vessels, suggesting they belonged to a society capable of complex construction and high levels of artistry. Photo: Courtesy of Martin B. Sweatman.

“Mendik Tepe is an incredibly important site for understanding the early settlers of the region,” said Dr Necmi Karul, project coordinator. Photo: GETTY.

These ancient structures vary in size and function. Small structures measuring just a few square metres may have been used for storage or food preparation. Medium-sized structures may have been residential, and large structures measuring 12 to 15 feet (3.96 to 4.88 metres) in height, meticulously built of stone, may have been used for ceremonial or communal purposes. Photo: GETTY.

Preliminary results suggest that Mendik Tepe may date back to the early Neolithic period, potentially predating Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe – a nearby site also famous for its anthropomorphic columns. If confirmed, Mendik Tepe would be an important site in understanding a key piece of the puzzle in understanding the Neolithic period, the transition to agriculture and settlement. Photo: GETTY.

The newly excavated structures, which date back around 11,500 years, are helping researchers better understand the history of human development. They include evidence of early social organization and farming activities. Photo: GETTY.

The presence of grain processing and water management systems at nearby sites further suggests that communities here were experimenting with primitive agriculture – a precursor to the agricultural revolution. Photo: Berthold Steinhilber.

Readers are invited to watch the video : Revealing lost civilizations through archaeological remains.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/khai-quat-cau-truc-co-hon-stonehenge-7000-tuoi-lich-su-phai-viet-lai-post2149050036.html