Ancient 6,400-Year-Old Oven Discovered in Türkiye’s Arslantepe Mound

Archaeologists at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arslantepe Mound in eastern Türkiye have unearthed a remarkable 6,400-year-old oven, measuring over 2 meters (6 feet) wide, Anadolu Agency reported today.

Dating back to between 4,200 and 4,400 BC, this ancient oven is believed to have been used communally by multiple families. Francesca Balossi Restelli, the head of the excavation team, noted, “We believe this oven served more than just one household. Given its size, it was likely shared among relatives.”

In addition to the oven, the excavation team uncovered various artifacts, including bracelets, earrings, and beads. They also found seals from around 3,600 BC, made from red stone and bone. “These are remarkable discoveries. While we typically uncover seal impressions, this time we found the actual seals,” Restelli stated. The excavation, which began on July 16, is expected to continue for another two months, promising further insights into ancient communal life.