Türkiye: Ancient Kultepe Site Reveals Climate Adaptation Strategies from 4,200 Years Ago

Türkiye’s Kultepe archaeological site, located near Kayseri, offers vital insights into how ancient civilizations adapted to climate change, Anadolu Agency reported in an article yesterday.

Led by Yale University’s Harvey Weiss, the research focuses on the societal responses to environmental shifts 4,200 years ago. Excavations, directed by Fikri Kulakoglu from Ankara University, have uncovered evidence of a significant transformation in living conditions, with large structures replaced by smaller dwellings, likely due to climatic changes.

Weiss, known for his studies on the Akkadian Empire’s collapse due to drought, aims to analyze seeds found at the site to understand past rainfall conditions and agricultural practices. He emphasizes that the findings at Kultepe are crucial for comprehending the broader history of the Near East and Türkiye. Weiss stated, “You can’t understand the history of Türkiye without understanding Kultepe,” highlighting its importance in revealing the resilience of ancient societies in the face of environmental challenges.