Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic
Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic Tell
Epipalaeolithic to Neolithic (11150–6900 BCE)·Natufian-Neolithic·🇸🇾 Raqqa Governorate, Euphrates Terrace, Syria
Alexia Smith ,Amy Oechsner,Peter Rowley-Conwy,Andrew M. T. Moore · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
About Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic
Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic in Raqqa Governorate, Euphrates Terrace, Syria is a Epipalaeolithic to Neolithic (11150–6900 BCE) ancient village attributed to Natufian-Neolithic culture. German and Syrian excavations document stratified sequence with ceramic seriation and radiocarbon. The site includes a principal mound and ancillary settlement.
Why it mattersKey Natufian-Neolithic site illustrating Epipalaeolithic to Neolithic (11150–6900 BCE) ancient-village traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Urban planning of Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic
- 02Chronology of lower town
Theories
- 01Administrative centre for Natufian-Neolithic
- 02Trade hub on Euphrates/Khabur
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 11150 BCE rye cultivation
- Period
- Epipalaeolithic to Neolithic (11150–6900 BCE)
- Culture
- Natufian-Neolithic
- Purpose
- Earliest cultivation of rye and village 15 ha
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 11150 BCE rye cultivation
Initial settlement
c. 2000 BCE
Major expansion and fortification
On the ground
Structures & features
35.8622° N · 38.4022° E · 147 m · 3 mapped features
- Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic — Main MoundmoundMain tell mound Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic 15 m high with stratified phases35.8630° N · 38.4030° E
- Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic — Lower TownsettlementLower town settlement 10 ha with houses and kilns35.8613° N · 38.4017° E
- Abu Hureyra — Epipalaeolithic — Gate AreagateFortified gate with mudbrick walls and bastions35.8633° N · 38.4015° E
Gallery