A sanctuary, or so fair a house? In defense of an archaeology of cult at Pre-Pottery Neolithic Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe, a Pre-Pottery Neolithic site in southeastern Turkey, challenges conventional notions of early religious architecture. This study defends the interpretation of Göbekli Tepe as a cultic sanctuary, countering arguments that dismiss it as merely a 'fair house.' Through meticulous archaeological analysis, including spatial organization, artifact distribution, and symbolic motifs, researchers argue for its role in ritual practices. The approach combines stratigraphic data with contextual evidence to support the site's function as a place of worship, offering new insights into the origins of religious behavior during the Neolithic period.

Dietrich, O., & Notroff, J. (2015). A sanctuary, or so fair a house? In defense of an archaeology of cult at Pre-Pottery Neolithic Göbekli Tepe. Oxbow Books. https://doi.org/10.17613/34GCK-EC779