(ORDO NEWS) — Excavations at the site, to the surprise of archaeologists, unearthed a dense cluster of semi-buried oval structures that have been dated to between 12,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Of all the truly ancient places on Earth, most of us who follow archeology and history are familiar with Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site believed to be around 12,000 years old, located in present-day Anatolia, Turkey.
This place is unprecedented for several reasons, but primarily because of its complexity and size.
Although it was discovered over three decades ago, only about 5% of the entire complex has been excavated to date. But this article is not about Göbekli Tepe.
This is an ancient site that was discovered almost three decades ago and dates back to about 12,000 years ago. Unlike the catchy name of Göbekli Tepe, this site is known as WF16 or Wadi Fainan 16.
In 1996, archaeologists stumbled upon the site, finding flint tools and large stone mortars on the surface of the hill.
This place is located on the territory of modern Jordan, not far from the steep rise to the Jordanian plateau.
Its importance lies in the fact that it contains some of the most ancient achievements of the Neolithic, showing a clear transition from hunting and gathering food to food production, a settled way of life and community.
Excavations have unearthed numerous workshops, homes and public spaces for community activities such as religious or ceremonial rites.
To the surprise of archaeologists, excavations at the site unearthed a dense cluster of semi-subterranean oval structures that have been dated to between 12,000 and 10,000 years ago.
It is believed that this place reached its peak about 11,200 years ago.
The structures were artfully covered with a mixture of clay and plants, which helped hold them firmly in place. This material was used for the walls that supported the flat timber roofs and other structures at the site.
Buildings in WF16 vary in size, suggesting a specific use for each building. Some were used for household needs, others for storage and workshops. But one building stands out. It is possibly one of the first amphitheatre-like structures found.
Excavations of this structure show that there were certain buildings designed to store grain and wild plants.
According to the researchers, this indicates that the ancient society took the first steps towards agriculture as early as 12,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations have also shown that the inhabitants of this place used fig and pistachio trees.
In Wadi Fainan 16, fragments of the bones of wild goats were also found, leading experts to believe that these animals were selectively hunted to avoid their extinction.
In addition, this ancient society also hunted animals such as foxes and used their fur to produce clothes, among others.
Animal feathers and bone fragments suggest that the inhabitants of the site also made jewelry, some of which may have been used for ritual purposes.
But the best indicator of the level of development of this ancient society in Wadi Fainan 16 is the many handicrafts presented at the site, in particular, the use of malachite copper ore. This material was used to make stone beads.
In addition, archaeologists have discovered shells that originate not only from the Red Sea, but also from the Mediterranean. This suggests that they came here from afar.
More importantly, scientists have also discovered burial practices at the site. During the excavations, a cemetery was discovered where the bodies of the dead were placed.
The position in which the bodies were found suggests that the society practiced ritual burials. Some of the bodies were placed in the ground with missing bones. Other burials contained additional bones, some of which were painted.
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