Geoarchaeological maps:
Central Anatolia, 9th - 6th millennia cal BC

Geomorphological map created by Catherine KUZUCUOĞLU
Geoarchaeological maps designed by Frédéric GERARD
Last updated: 04/04/2001


 The Geomorphological Map
The settlement distribution depends for a large part on the distribution pattern of yearly rainfall on the Central Anatolian Plateau. Site locations close to rivers and springs can often be explained in terms of need for water availability to ensure pastoralism and agriculture (...)

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ECA I (9th millenium - late 8th millenium cal BC)
The Early Central Anatolian I Map shows two distinctive types of settlements: - one type is related to springs and river mouths along the edges of the Taurus mountains foothills; - another type is related to the obsidian tool production centres (...)

Overview ECA I map            Medium size ECA I map            Full size ECA I map
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ECA II (late 8th millenium cal BC - c. 6700/6600 cal BC)
The ECA II Map shows: - an apparent abandonment of all sites related to the obsidian exploitation; - an increase of the number of river and spring-related settlements (...)

Overview ECA II map            Medium size ECA II map            Full size ECA II map
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ECA III (c. 6700/6600 - 6000 cal BC)
Apart from the evident rise in the number of sites, there is an increase in the variety of settlement locations, with the occupation of new territories linked to a development of the farming activities. Both factors may be linked to population growth and mobility, as well as to an increase in the exploitation of water resources. (...)

Overview ECA III map            Medium size ECA III map            Full size ECA III map
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ECA IV (6000 - 5500 cal BC)
The ECA IV Map shows: - a decrease in the number of sites compared to the previous map; - an evenly scattered distribution and concentration on fewer spots. (...)

Overview ECA IV map            Medium size ECA IV map            Full size ECA IV map
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ECA V (5500 - c. 4000 cal BC)
The previously occupied land is abandoned by the Middle Chalcolithic population, now preferring other locations. An environmental change may have led to it. The possible reasons are: - an increase of waterlogging in the bottom of the plains; - a drought, leading to the contraction of the water resources (...)

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Legend of the
Geomorphological map


 Geomorphological map
and legend

A4 format
A3 format


Related Central
Anatolian sites dbase
(sites nrs. on the ECA maps)


ECA I map and legend

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A3 format

 

 

 

ECA II map and legend

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A3 format

 

 

 


ECA III map and legend

A4 format
A3 format

 

 

 

ECA IV map and legend

A4 format
A3 format

 

 

 

 

ECA V map and legend

A4 format
A3 format