Archaeologists in Türkiye discover earliest known human activity in northern Mesopotamia

Archaeologists in Türkiye discover earliest known human activity in northern Mesopotamia
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Archaeologists in Türkiye’s southeastern Mardin province have uncovered rare Paleolithic artifacts at Ulukoy Cave, revealing the earliest known human activity in northern Mesopotamia, Anadolu Agency reported. The excavation has uncovered obsidian tools, animal remains, and stone weapons dating back over 300,000 years, shedding new light on prehistoric life and trade networks in the region known as the “Cradle of Civilization.”

Ergul Kodas, scientific advisor to the excavation and faculty member at Mardin Artuklu University, explained that obsidian tools found in early Middle Paleolithic layers challenge previous beliefs that obsidian trade began only in the Late Paleolithic. The findings suggest this trade in Anatolia may date back 160,000 to 200,000 years.

The site is unique as the first Paleolithic cave excavation in northern Mesopotamia, believed to have been inhabited by four ancient human species, including Homo erectus, archaic Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and modern humans, over 300,000 to 400,000 years.

Ayhan Gok, head of culture and tourism for Mardin province, emphasized the site’s significance, noting ongoing meticulous excavations could reveal more valuable artifacts that deepen understanding of early human migration and ancient life in the region.