Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary
Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary Tell
Pre-Pottery Neolithic (12000–8650 BCE)·PPNA·🇸🇾 Aleppo Governorate, Queiq plain, Syria
About
About Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary
Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary in Aleppo Governorate, Queiq plain, Syria is a Pre-Pottery Neolithic (12000–8650 BCE) temple complex attributed to PPNA 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 PPNA site illustrating Pre-Pottery Neolithic (12000–8650 BCE) temple-complex traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Urban planning of Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary
- 02Chronology of lower town
Theories
- 01Administrative centre for PPNA
- 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. 10700 BCE
- Period
- Pre-Pottery Neolithic (12000–8650 BCE)
- Culture
- PPNA
- Purpose
- Tower sanctuary with lime plaster and aurochs skulls
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 10700 BCE
Initial settlement
c. 2000 BCE
Major expansion and fortification
On the ground
Structures & features
36.3922° N · 37.2722° E · 146 m · 3 mapped features
- Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary — Main MoundmoundMain tell mound Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary 15 m high with stratified phases36.3930° N · 37.2730° E
- Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary — Lower TownsettlementLower town settlement 10 ha with houses and kilns36.3913° N · 37.2717° E
- Tell Qaramel — PPNA Sanctuary — Gate AreagateFortified gate with mudbrick walls and bastions36.3933° N · 37.2715° E