Chatal Höyük (Çatal Höyük Amuq)
Çatal Höyük · Chatal Hoyuk, Çatal Hüyük, Amuq Phase
Neolithic through Iron; Amuq A-J typology·Amuq Neolithic → Halaf → Ubaid → EBA → Syro-Hittite·🇹🇷 Hatay Province, Amuq Plain, Kumlu district, Turkey
About
About Chatal Höyük (Çatal Höyük Amuq)
Deep Amuq Valley sequence mound in Hatay’s fertile plain, type-site for Amuq A–J Neolithic-Chalcolithic to Iron Age ceramic phases (Robert Braidwood, Oriental Institute 1933–38). The 22 m deep deposit spans Aceramic Neolithic (Amuq A, c.6000 BCE) through Medieval, with Ninevite V, EBA, MBA Hittite and Iron Syro-Hittite Kunulua-related levels. Companion to Tell Kurdu and Judaidah, it defines northern Levantine Neolithic diffusion. Lower mound still buried in orchards; upper Iron level with Syro-Hittite pits overlies Braidwood’s Phases F–O.
Why it mattersType-site for Levantine North Neolithic sequence (Amuq A-J); defines Painted Ware Neolithic and connections to Mesopotamia.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Refinement of Amuq A absolute dates — 6000 vs 5800 BCE calibrated?
- 02Iron I continuity vs intrusive Syro-Hittite pitting
Theories
- 01Braidwood cultural phases vs modern radiocarbon-driven phase-collapse debate
- 02Syro-Hittite reuse as intra-site vs regional settlement shift
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.6000 BCE Amuq A Neolithic; main Amuq F-G EBA c.3000 BCE; Iron Syro-Hittite c.900 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic through Iron; Amuq A-J typology
- Culture
- Amuq Neolithic → Halaf → Ubaid → EBA → Syro-Hittite
- Builders
- Amuq farmers; Syro-Hittite Pattin villagers
- Purpose
- Valley-floor tell type-site controlling Amuq lake basin
- Abandoned
- c.600 BCE post-Assyrian abandonment, later Crusader quarry
- Rediscovered
- Excavated 1933–38 Braidwood (Chicago); sons Hatay Amuq 2005– Harrison
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1933
Braidwood opens Amuq Valley Neolithic chronology at Chatal and Kurdu
2005
Amuq Resurvey re-dates base via new trenches
On the ground
Structures & features
36.3470° N · 36.2170° E · 90 m · 3 mapped features
Amuq A-J basal sondage
stratigraphic layer22 m Neolithic–Iron ceramic type sequence
36.3472° N · 36.2175° EIron Age pit horizon
settlementSyro-Hittite pits intruding EBA beneath
36.3470° N · 36.2170° ENinevite V EBA level
settlementEBA burnished ware houses
36.3469° N · 36.2171° E