Simultaneous thin section and phytolith observations of finely stratified deposits from Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey: implications for paleoeconomy and Early Holocene paleoenvironment

A groundbreaking analysis of Neolithic Çatalhöyük deposits reveals that phytoliths—microscopic plant silica structures—can serve as reliable indicators of early agricultural practices and paleoenvironmental conditions. The study, combining thin section micromorphology with phytolith observations, demonstrates that these deposits, dated between 7400 and 6000 BC, reflect a wet marshland environment while also providing evidence for wet farming of wheat. However, the research highlights significant background noise due to frequent fire use, which complicates interpretations where phytolith counts are low. This dual approach offers new insights into the taphonomy of deposits, emphasizing the importance of considering post-depositional processes in reconstructing past human-plant interactions and environmental conditions.

Shillito, L.-M. (2011). Simultaneous thin section and phytolith observations of finely stratified deposits from Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey: implications for paleoeconomy and Early Holocene paleoenvironment. Journal of Quaternary Science, 26(6), 576–588. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.1470