Archaeologists have announced a significant discovery about the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, located about an hour southeast of Konya, Turkey. According to a genetic study published in the journal Science, the society there around 9,000 years ago was matrilineal and matrilocal, completely different from Neolithic communities in Europe, which were patrilineal and patrilocal.
Çatalhöyük, a UNESCO World Heritage site discovered in 1958, is considered one of the most important Neolithic discoveries of the 20th century. The settlement existed for about 1,000 years, from roughly 7000 to 6000 BC, with a dense population. Scientists estimate its population sometimes reached 3,500–8,000 people.
The genetic study, involving 46 authors, analyzed 395 skeletons found beneath house floors and examined grave goods. Results showed that 70–100% of women remained in their homes as adults, while men tended to move elsewhere. This confirms the matrilocal and matrilineal nature of this society.
Another notable finding was that girls, including infants, received up to five times more grave goods than boys. Polish archaeologist Arek Marciniak, who participated in the study, said: “All girls had elaborate grave goods, while boys did not.”
Previously, archaeologists had found many small clay female figurines at Çatalhöyük, notably the “Seated Woman of Çatalhöyük,” dated to 8,500 years ago, with exaggerated feminine features and hands resting on two leopards. This figurine is now displayed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.
Professor Ian Hodder, who directed excavations at Çatalhöyük for over 20 years, emphasized that the matrilineal system there did not mean men were mistreated. Previous isotopic analyses showed no difference in diet between men and women, reinforcing evidence of social equality. “The recent results show women played a central role but not a dominant one. So the question is: why did we become hierarchical?” Hodder said.
Another unique feature of Çatalhöyük is the absence of organized violence throughout its centuries of existence, unlike other Neolithic communities in Europe that often experienced conflicts claiming dozens of lives. Archaeologist Ali Ozan, who currently directs excavations at the site, said: “It is very unusual for a society leaning toward female power to show no signs of violence.”
Around 5700 BC, the eastern mound of Çatalhöyük was abandoned. Scientists have found no link between this unique society and modern cultures in Turkey. However, some matrilineal cultures still exist in the world today, such as the Mosuo in China, the Minangkabau in Indonesia, and the Khasi in India.
