Yumuktepe Mersin Re-evaluation Trench

Why it mattersCilician Neolithic type-site re-evaluation — 33-level 6300 BCE–1300 CE sequence in urban Mersin

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.6300 BCE Neolithic (Mersin XXXIII); Chalcolithic 5000 BCE; EBA fortress 2800 BCE

Period

Neolithic to Byzantine (6300 BCE–1300 CE)

Culture

Neolithic Mersin XXXIII → Chalcolithic Ubaid → EBA Cilician → Iron → Byzantine

Builders

Neolithic pioneers (Garstang Mersin culture), Cilician BA traders, Byzantine urban dwellers

Purpose

Re-evaluation trench south of Yumuktepe citadel — Mersin Neolithic type-site south sector testing Garstang–Caneva sequence on urban Mersin mound

Abandoned

c.1300 CE Medieval contraction; tell still within modern Mersin

Rediscovered

First excavated 1936–46 Garstang; re-evaluation 1993–present Caneva (Rome)

Excavation

Excavation ongoing

1. 1936

   Garstang opens Yumuktepe, Mersin XXXIII Neolithic found

2. 1995

   Caneva south re-evaluation trench re-exposes 33-level sequence

3. 2010

   Yumuktepe re-evaluation radiocarbon and Ubaid horizon published

• Neolithic Pisé House (Mersin XXXIII, 6300 BCE)

  settlement

  Neolithic pisé houses with monochrome impressed ware at base south trench

  36.8008° N · 34.6006° E

• Chalcolithic Ubaid Painted Level

  settlement

  Ubaid-related painted ware level 5000 BCE above Neolithic pisé

  36.7993° N · 34.5991° E

• EBA Cilician Fortress (Red-Black)

  fortification

  EBA Cilician fortress with Red-Black burnished ware houses 2800 BCE

  36.8011° N · 34.6007° E