Çatalhöyük and Its Landscapes

Neolithic Çatalhöyük was likely situated within a complex landscape of multiple interconnected river channels, featuring drier islands and localized wetter zones. This study challenges previous environmental interpretations by employing high-resolution sedimentary data to reconstruct the site's ancient topography and ecological niches. The research reveals a mosaic environment where riverbanks supported tree and shrub vegetation, while islands provided suitable areas for cultivation. By critically reviewing existing palaeoenvironmental evidence, the authors offer new insights into the potential land uses and environmental conditions that shaped Neolithic life at Çatalhöyük.

Ayala, G., & Wainwright, J. (2020). Çatalhöyük and Its Landscapes. Near Eastern Archaeology, 83(2), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1086/709176