The Role of Religion in the Neolithic of the Middle East and Anatolia with Particular Reference to Çatalhöyük

New research at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Anatolia, reveals significant insights into the role of religion during the transition to settled village life. The study, inspired by Cauvin's theories on the origins of agriculture and divinity, explores how religious practices may have driven social and economic changes. By analyzing symbolism related to violence and death, as well as human agency in animal domestication, the research provides fresh perspectives on the archaeological recognition of religion and its impact on early societies. This interdisciplinary collaboration among anthropologists, philosophers, religious scholars, and archaeologists addresses four key questions, offering a deeper understanding of Neolithic religious dynamics.

Hodder, I. (2011). The Role of Religion in the Neolithic of the Middle East and Anatolia with Particular Reference to Çatalhöyük. Paléorient, 37(1), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.3406/paleo.2011.5442