History of Anatolia

Early Human Presence and Prehistory

The history of Anatolia, together with its prehistory, dates back more than a million years. Fossils of the genus Homo and stone age tools have proven the presence of early humans in the region. The oldest safely dated stone age tool on Turkish soil was discovered in ancient deposits of the river Gediz, dating back approximately 1.2 million years. These early inhabitants, referred to as Homo erectus in professional circles, were later followed by Neanderthals and finally anatomically modern man (Homo sapiens). The early hunter-gatherer cultures disappeared around 12,000 years ago.

Neolithic Revolution

The fertile crescent, where the Neolithic Revolution began around 11,000 BC, lies partially on Turkish territory. Two of the oldest Anatolian sites, Boncuklu and Pınarbaşı, date back to between 8500 and 8000 BC. These early settlements marked the beginning of sedentary life and a long-term occupation of the region. The emergence of monumental architecture and a spacious exchange of obsidian are notable features of this period.

Ancient Cultures

Geographically, Anatolia includes most of modern Turkey, stretching from the Aegean Sea to the mountains of the Armenian border to the east, the Black Sea to the north, and the Taurus Mountains to the south. The oldest traces of cultures in Anatolia are found at several archaeological sites in the central and eastern part of the region, dating back to the dawn of the Neolithic.

The remains of various ancient cultures provide valuable information about the daily lives of the inhabitants and their commercial relations. These include the Hattie, Akkadian, Assyrian, and Hittite cultures. After the fall of the Hittites, new states such as Phrygia and Lydia emerged on the west coast, while the civilization of ancient Greece began to take shape.

Timeline

* 1.2 million years ago: Discovery of the oldest stone age tool in Anatolia
* 12,000 years ago: Disappearance of early hunter-gatherer cultures
* 11,000 BC: Beginning of the Neolithic Revolution in the fertile crescent
* 8500-8000 BC: Emergence of Boncuklu and Pınarbaşı settlements
* 8300 BC: Expansion of the way of life in Anatolia