The ancient sites finally revealing the secrets of a long-lost Stone Age civilisation
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Archaeologists uncover secrets of oldest-known complex society
- Archaeologists in southeast Turkey have discovered 20 sites belonging to a previously unknown Stone Age civilisation, now called the Taş Tepeler culture.
- Dating back 11,500 years, it's considered the oldest known complex society, predating ancient Egypt and Stonehenge.
- The civilisation developed monumental architecture, sophisticated sculptures, and potentially an early form of writing.
- Excavations have revealed large settlements, ritual halls, and sculptures depicting humans, animals, and symbols of fertility.
- Though advanced for its time, the Taş Tepeler culture collapsed around 10,000 years ago.