History & Discovery

Uncover the story of how this ancient wonder was found and what it tells us about early human civilization

The Discovery

Gobekli Tepe was discovered in 1963 by Turkish archaeologist Sevket Aziz Kan during a survey. However, its true significance wasn't recognized until German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt began excavations in 1995.

Dating the Site

Carbon dating and comparative analysis place Gobekli Tepe's construction between 9600 and 8200 BCE, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. This makes it approximately 11,000-12,000 years old.

Revolutionary Findings

The discovery challenged previous assumptions about human development:

  • Complex society existed before agriculture
  • Monumental architecture predated settled communities
  • Sophisticated artistic expression existed in prehistoric times

Ongoing Research

Only about 5% of the site has been excavated. Archaeologists continue to uncover new insights about this remarkable place.

The Discovery

Göbekli Tepe was first noted in a survey in 1963, but its true significance wasn't realized until 1994 when German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt visited the site. He recognized that the "flint-knapped" stones on the surface were not medieval grave markers, but something much older.

Excavations began in 1995, revealing massive T-shaped pillars arranged in circles. Radiocarbon dating stunned the world: the site dated back to roughly 9500 BCE, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years and the Pyramids of Giza by 7,000 years.

Archaeological Significance

Before Göbekli Tepe, scholars believed that complex monumental architecture was only possible after the development of agriculture and settled life. Göbekli Tepe turned this theory on its head.

The builders were hunter-gatherers, not farmers. This suggests that the urge to worship and build sacred spaces may have been the spark that led to civilization and agriculture, rather than the other way around.

Timeline of Göbekli Tepe

c. 9500 BCE

Construction Begins

Hunter-gatherers begin erecting the first massive stone pillars in Layer III.

c. 8000 BCE

Site Buried

For reasons unknown, the site is deliberately backfilled and abandoned.

1963

First Survey

Istanbul University and University of Chicago survey the area but dismiss it.

1994

Rediscovery

Klaus Schmidt visits the site and begins excavations the following year.

2018

UNESCO World Heritage

Göbekli Tepe is added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.