10 Facts About Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe is archaeological site in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, approximately 12 km (7 mi) northeast of the city of Şanlıurfa.  The complex mainly consists of earthen knolls that cover round stone structures with T-shaped pillars inside.

1.  Gobekli Tepe is Turkish for “Potbelly Hill”

2. It was first discovered in 1963 in a joint survey by Istanbul University and the University of Chicago

3. The oldest structures at the sight date as far back as 10,000 BCE.

4. It is thought to be the world’s oldest temple

5. It is uncertain if the main circular structures ever had roofs or not

6. Around 8000 BCE, the entire city was “buried” purposely under limestone and debris.  Why this was done, rather than simply abandoning it, is unknown

7. Only 5% of the site has been excavated.

8. The entire site is 48.65 square miles

9. Contrary to popular belief, the stones were moved and crafted with construction techniques known at the time.  As well, stone working tools have been regularly found during excavation there.

10. Nevalı Çori is a similar archaeological site located 42 miles away, and was built approximately 8400 BCE