Göbekli Tepe: New Discoveries Challenge Theories on Early Human Settlements

Recent excavations at Göbekli Tepe [gœˈbekli ˈtepe], a 12,000-year-old site predating Stonehenge, challenge existing theories about its purpose. Initially believed to be solely a ceremonial center for Neolithic hunter-gatherers, the discovery of living quarters, tools, grinding stones, and animal remains suggests a more complex function. These findings indicate that early humans may have established permanent or semi-permanent communities much earlier than previously thought. The site, located near the Turkish-Syrian border, features massive T-shaped stone pillars adorned with intricate carvings of animals and abstract symbols, representing the earliest known examples of large-scale stone architecture. Some researchers propose that Göbekli Tepe may have served as an ancient calendar, while others speculate about its use for burials or links to mythological origins. Only about 10% of the site has been excavated, with estimates suggesting another 150 years to uncover the entire area. Discoveries at nearby Karahantepe [kaɾaˈhantepe], including a 2.45-meter human statue, support new theories about early civilization, indicating that shared beliefs may have driven societal formation before widespread farming.