Gobekli Tepe: The Oldest Man-Made Temple
Located in Southeastern Turkey, about 15 km from Sanliurfa, an ancient city which was also referred to as "City of the prophets," is Gobekli Tepe, the oldest man-made temple founded today (2). It dates back to 10,000 BCE, and was discovered by Klaus Schmidt beginning with his excavations in 1995 with his team from the German Archeological Institute. The time period of Gobekli Tepe was put under category of the Pre-pottery Neolithic A Period, dating from 9600-7300 BCE (1).
Schmidt explains, based on evidence found, the majority of the population were hunter and gatherers, and the area was filled with wild animals attracted by thriving vegetation and a nearby river (3). Built by hunter and gatherers of the Stone Age, it is a mystery how
this advanced structure made of 40-60 ton stones could built in that time period and its technology (1). The site must have been consumed with hundreds of people working to construct this formation (2). We see evidence of the technology used, with the finding of large amounts flint tools covering the whole excavation site (2).
Schmidt and many other researchers believe that this structure built upon the hill was the first temple recorded, making an important mark in history. Although there isn't emphasis on religion in this time, through the abstract art of characters and animals throughout the stone pillars, and findings of animal bones, we see clear evidence of sacrifices, offerings and feasts made in the building (2). There is obvious signs that this is a place of gathering, but still has more to be uncovered (2).
Schmidt explains, based on evidence found, the majority of the population were hunter and gatherers, and the area was filled with wild animals attracted by thriving vegetation and a nearby river (3). Built by hunter and gatherers of the Stone Age, it is a mystery how
this advanced structure made of 40-60 ton stones could built in that time period and its technology (1). The site must have been consumed with hundreds of people working to construct this formation (2). We see evidence of the technology used, with the finding of large amounts flint tools covering the whole excavation site (2).
Schmidt and many other researchers believe that this structure built upon the hill was the first temple recorded, making an important mark in history. Although there isn't emphasis on religion in this time, through the abstract art of characters and animals throughout the stone pillars, and findings of animal bones, we see clear evidence of sacrifices, offerings and feasts made in the building (2). There is obvious signs that this is a place of gathering, but still has more to be uncovered (2).