Tales of a Town Trivia Quiz

Answer: James Mellaart

First uncovered in 1958, the site of Çatalhöyük was excavated for four seasons by British archaeologist James Mellaart. Since 1993, Ian Hodder, a former student of Mellaart, has taken over as the leader of the dig. Eighteen different levels of settlement have been found.

Answer: Neolithic Age

Çatalhöyük was occupied between 7500-5700 BC, and appears to have reached its peak of development around 7000 BC. There is evidence of domestication of animals and plants, such as peas, wheat, barley, and almonds. Sources disagree on the exact population of the site. However, it appears to have had a population of 6,000-10,000 people.

Answer: Streets

It is believed that one entered the inside of his home by an opening in the roof, by either climbing down a ladder or narrow stairs. Homes were grouped together, and the rooftops were presumably like streets, enabling residents to walk from place to place. This probably made the town safer; unlike other early towns, Catalhöyük was not surrounded by a protective wall.

Answer: Most of the figurines were female.

Most of the initial discoveries of figurines were female. Although there has been much discussion regarding the presence of female figurines, it was first hypothesized that the main deity was the Mother Goddess, whose role was to protect the grain supply and ensure for an abundant harvest.

In fact, the figurine in the picture was found in what was believed to have been a grain bin. Later excavators claim that the majority of figurines found at the site were animals.

Answer: In pits beneath the floors of their homes.

It appears that the residents of Çatalhöyük buried their dead under the floors of their homes, especially beneath the hearth. Many bodies have been found that were wrapped in reed mats or placed in baskets. There is some evidence that bodies were also exposed for a time before being buried.

In some graves the interred has been found headless; some believe that the head may have been used in other rituals.

Answer: Sheep

There is evidence at Çatalhöyük that sheep were domesticated and the people were also beginning to domesticate cattle. The residents of the town made clothing out of wool and also wore jewelry made from shells and bones.

Answer: They used all of these decorations.

There has been much discussion regarding the presence of art on the walls of the homes of the people of Çatalhöyük. While some believe the painting of the village that was found on one of the walls is the world's oldest landscape and map, others say that it may be just a decorative geometric design. Mounted auroch skulls were also popular decorations.

Answer: True

Archaeologists suspect that Çatalhöyük was perhaps a center of highly specialized trade, rather than a "stand-alone town". Obsidian mirrors, like the one in the picture, were highly polished without showing signs of scratching, and holes were drilled in beads that were so fine a modern needle cannot pass through.

In addition, the residents had learned how to smelt lead and copper. Some of the spearheads that have been found were labeled "the most elegant in the Near East" by experts.

Answer: False

The houses excavated at the Çatalhöyük complex appear to be the same. There is no evidence of a governmental hierarchy or social classes. It also appears that men and women were equal in status due to the fact that burials for both genders seem to have similar grave goods.

Answer: Pottery

In addition, obsidian tools were manufactured on a large scale. It is believed that the tools and might have been a trade item that was used in exchange for Mediterranean sea shells and flint from Syria.