Domestication is the hereditary reorganization of wild animals and plants. First domesticated animals appeared in Central Asia 15,000 years ago. First successful domestication occurred before 9500 BCE. Neolithic Period (10,000-8,000 BCE) marked beginning of agriculture
Located in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, built between 9500-8000 BCE. Site covers 8 ha with 15m high circular structures containing massive stone pillars. First noted in 1963, excavations began by Klaus Schmidt in 1994. Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018
Anatolian Neolithic Farmers brought agriculture to Europe and Northwest Africa. Farmers migrated from Anatolia to Europe around 7,000 BC. Genetic studies confirm farming spread through migration, not just cultural exchange. Farmers derived 80-90% ancestry from Anatolian hunter-gatherers
Located 140 km southeast of Konya, Turkey, overlooking Konya Plain. Settlement existed from 7500 BC to 5600 BC, flourished around 7000 BC. First excavated by James Mellaart in 1958, later led by Ian Hodder. Site became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012
Neolithic Revolution marked transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture in Afro-Eurasia. Domestication of plants and animals began 11,700 years ago after Ice Age. First agricultural revolution was invented by V. Gordon Childe in 1936. Tell Aswad is oldest site with domesticated emmer wheat, dating to 10,800 BP
Gobeklitepe is the oldest known temple, dating back to Neolithic Period. Archaeological excavations began in 1995 near Sanliurfa. Structure is at least 5000 years older than known ancient temples