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Did Civilisation Begin At Karahan Tepe? - Humanity before Göbekli Tepe // Prehistory Documentary

History Time・46 minutes read

Archaeologists discovered Carahan Tepe, a site in Turkey with megalithic obelisks and intricate carvings linked to Gobekli Tepe and showcasing a complex hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The site features t-shaped pillars, rock-cut channels, and possible human burials, suggesting a connection to ancestors and a flourishing culture 15,000 years ago.

Insights

  • Carahan Tepe, a site in Turkey from around 10,000 years ago, showcases t-shaped megalithic obelisks with intricate carvings of hybrid creatures, hinting at a complex hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
  • Human-animal hybrid depictions at sites like Carahan Tepe and Elroy Fra are linked to shamanistic ceremonies, suggesting a common art tradition globally and providing insight into early human spirituality and cultural practices.

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  • What is Carahan Tepe?

    An archaeological site in Turkey with megalithic obelisks.

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Summary

00:00

Ancient Carahan Tepe: Megalithic Obelisks and Art

  • In 1997, archaeologists discovered Carahan Tepe in the Arid te Tech mountains in Turkey, a site with numerous megalithic obelisks.
  • The site, dated to around 10,000 years ago, features t-shaped megalithic obelisks and intricate carvings of hybrid monsters, animals, and people.
  • Carahan Tepe is linked to Gobekli Tepe and Navali Chori, showcasing complex iconography and art unique to the region.
  • Only around 5% of Carahan Tepe has been excavated, revealing megalithic enclosures and structures hinting at a complex hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
  • Enclosures at Carahan Tepe, like Enclosure AB and Enclosure AD, feature t-shaped pillars, rock-cut channels, and depictions of phallic symbols.
  • The site may have had roofed structures, with evidence of large stones possibly used for roofing found at Enclosure AC.
  • Carahan Tepe's construction occurred gradually over generations, with structures cut deep into the rock, potentially indicating a permanent settlement.
  • Human remains, rare at Gobekli Tepe, may have been buried at Carahan Tepe, suggesting a connection to ancestors.
  • Material evidence at the site includes intricately carved idols, stone bowls, and instruments, showcasing real-world animals like crocodiles, wolves, and bears.
  • Some idols at Carahan Tepe appear to have been painted, depicting half-man, half-beast hybrids, possibly representing the region's apex predator, the leopard.

28:32

Prehistoric Art Reveals Shamanistic Traditions and Culture

  • An extraordinary culture flourished across Eurasia 15,000 years ago, evident in engravings and paintings on rock surfaces.
  • In 1912, teenagers discovered the intricate prehistoric cave system of Elroy Fra in France, revealing ancient animal depictions.
  • Unique paintings, including a half-man half-animal figure, were found in Elroy Fra around 14,000 years ago.
  • The Sorcerer of Elroy Fra, a black-painted figure with a bison head and human legs, is a significant prehistoric find.
  • Similar depictions of hybrid beings in other Paleolithic sites suggest a common art tradition.
  • The Lion Man of Hohlenstein Stadel, estimated to be at least 30,000 years old, showcases early human creativity.
  • Carvings at Latmos and Jba depict dog heads, possibly created around 7,000-8,000 BC, alongside hunting scenes and crane wing depictions.
  • Human-animal hybrid depictions are linked to shamanistic ceremonies, seen globally throughout history.
  • Shamanic traditions, involving altered states of consciousness and animal imitations, are found in various cultures worldwide.
  • The Tash Teppe sites, like Gobekli Tepe, suggest advanced social organization and rich culture, possibly serving as early temples.

56:30

Ancient rituals shape community and belief systems.

  • Archaeologist Robert Braidwood explored a stone structure near a public Plaza resembling a sacrificial altar.
  • Human societies experience increased mistrust and anxieties as populations grow beyond 100-150 individuals.
  • Human sacrifice may have been practiced at sites like the House of the Skulls at Chanu and Gockley Tepe.
  • Megalithic monuments at T-shaped pillar sites like Gockley Tepe and Karahan Tepe suggest regional cooperation and long-distance trade.
  • Ritual investments at Karahan Tepe could have been a commitment to the community, building reputations and impressing outsiders.
  • The transition from hunting to farming at sites like Karahan Tepe involved a shift in mindset and the establishment of hierarchical systems.
  • Enclosures at Gockley Tepe and Karahan Tepe were buried after a short lifespan, emphasizing the act of creation and communal bonding.
  • Ritual performances and communal events at sites like Karahan Tepe may have led to the transition to farming through the power of ideology.
  • The carvings and enclosures at sites like Karahan Tepe and Kahane may have influenced ritual performances and spiritual beliefs.
  • Shamanic individuals or groups at Karahan Tepe could have used enclosures to display power, gain trust, and mediate with the divine during crises.

01:25:47

Karahan Tepe: Ancient Society and Rituals

  • Karahan Tepe saw increased investment in ideological infrastructure and demographic stresses leading to more interest in labor-intensive activities for group benefit.
  • A cognitive revolution in society led to heavy resource investment in farming, utilizing rituals and composite images.
  • Karahan Tepe, a large-scale society experiment, may have influenced later Bronze Age societies.
  • Stonehenge and Karahan Tepe are considered megalithic architecture, with the latter surviving better due to burial.
  • Stone circles in Britain and Ireland lack artistic evidence due to weather and puritanical efforts.
  • Stone circles and megalithic tombs in Brittany show surviving carvings and art, unlike Karahan Tepe.
  • Ritual sites like Karahan Tepe and Stonehenge were associated with natural features and were visited seasonally for rituals and performances.
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