Early Animal Management Strategies during the Neolithic of the Konya Plain, Central Anatolia: Integrating Micromorphological and Microfossil Evidence

A groundbreaking study reveals significant chronological and contextual variations in Neolithic human-animal interactions on the Konya Plain, Central Anatolia. By integrating micromorphological, phytolith, and calcitic dung spherulite analyses of midden deposits from three neighboring sites—Boncuklu, Pınarbaşı, and Çatalhöyük—the research uncovers distinct herding practices, dietary strategies, and ecological adaptations among early Neolithic communities. At Boncuklu, middens show well-defined areas with substantial omnivore fecal matter, while Pınarbaşı deposits indicate repeated dung-burning events linked to neonatal ovicaprine remains, suggesting spring birthing. Late Neolithic levels at Çatalhöyük exhibit complex sequences of fuel burning and diverse plant remains, including cereals and reeds, alongside declining ruminant coprolites. This multi-proxy approach provides unprecedented insights into the ecological diversity and animal management strategies of Neolithic societies in Central Anatolia.

García-Suárez, A., Portillo, M., & Matthews, W. (2018). Early Animal Management Strategies during the Neolithic of the Konya Plain, Central Anatolia: Integrating Micromorphological and Microfossil Evidence. Environmental Archaeology, 25(2), 208–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2018.1497831