Çatalhöyük, Archaeology, Violence

A comprehensive analysis of skeletal remains from the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals significant evidence of interpersonal violence during this period. The study, conducted by Christopher J. Knüsel and Bonnie Glencross, challenges the conventional view that Neolithic societies were predominantly peaceful. By employing bioarchaeological methods, including the examination of trauma patterns on human bones, researchers identified markers of violent conflict such as blunt force injuries and perimortem fractures. This finding suggests that violence was a structured aspect of social dynamics in early agricultural communities, providing insights into the complexities of Neolithic life.

Knüsel, C. J., & Glencross, B. (2017). Çatalhöyük, Archaeology, Violence. Contagion: Journal of Violence Mimesis and Culture, 24, 23–36. https://doi.org/10.14321/contagion.24.1.0023