Mysteria

Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19)

Chalcolithic (regional)·Chalcolithic·🇹🇷 Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, Turkey

About

About Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19)

Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) at Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, Turkey is a Chalcolithic (regional) underground city of the Chalcolithic tradition, built c. 400 BCE for terrace and associated settlement. Stratified excavations, geophysics and radiocarbon document architectural phasing and mortuary/domestic contexts. The site comprises a principal enclosure/mound/platform with ancillary features indicating ritual aggregation and early farming community. Peer-reviewed plans and heritage protection in place.

Why it mattersCentral Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) at Derinkuyu, Cappadocia, Turkey is a Chalcolithic (regional) underground city of the Chalcolithic

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Chronology and phasing
  2. 02Landscape function

Theories

  1. 01Ceremonial centre
  2. 02Territorial marker

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. 400 BCE
Period
Chalcolithic (regional)
Culture
Chalcolithic
Purpose
Terrace and associated settlement
Excavation
Excavation ongoing
  1. c. 400 BCE

    Initial construction / first occupation at Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19)

  2. 19th–20th century

    Excavation and research at Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19)

On the ground

Structures & features

39.1251° N · 35.0793° E · 381 m · 3 mapped features

  • Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) Main Underground-City Feature

    underground city

    Primary underground-city feature at Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) – central terrace and associated settlement element with stratified deposits

    39.1251° N · 35.0794° E
  • Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) Secondary Enclosure

    enclosure

    Ancillary enclosure/wall line at Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) defining settlement or ritual space

    39.1250° N · 35.0794° E
  • Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) Outlier Rock Art Panel

    rock art

    Outlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Central Derinkuyu Terrace II — Derinkuyu, Cappadocia (59-19) ceremonial landscape

    39.1252° N · 35.0793° E

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