Altyn-Depe
Altyndepe
Turkmenistan · Ahal
In brief
With layers extending from the 5th millennium to the early 2nd millennium BCE, the site is an important center of early urbanization in southern Turkmenistan. Excavations have documented specialized production areas, houses, defensive structures and a monumental cult complex.
What was found?
- 1Gold bull's head
This is one of the precious objects found in a grave associated with the religious building complex. It demonstrates the use of gold in objects depicting animals and in elite grave furnishings.
- 2Gold wolf's head
This is a gold animal head found in the same burial context. Together with the bull's head, it documents the variety of precious objects placed in the grave.
- 3Flint arrowheads
The arrowheads found in Bronze Age layers have been studied in terms of form and use. They demonstrate the role of stoneworking in the production of tools and weapons during this period.
- 4Terracotta female figurines
Some of the flat, stylized figurines bear incised signs. According to researchers, these signs may be symbols of different goddesses; the interpretation is uncertain.
- 5Silver and bronze seals
Seals bearing cross-shaped arrangements and animal figures were found. They demonstrate metalworking and the symbolic imagery used.
What does it point to?
Household and grave furnishings at Altıntepe indicate marked differences in wealth within the community. According to researchers, groups of craftspeople, wealthy households and elites can be distinguished; the religious building complex is also an important part of this settlement organization.
What did it teach us?
- Revealed social differentiation through dwellings and grave goods.
- Uncovered a monumental religious building complex that included a stepped tower.
- Showed that stoneworking, terracotta production and metalworking developed together at the same Bronze Age center.
Images
Record
- Culture
- Namazga cultural sphere of southern Turkmenistan
- Team / historical
- Vadim M. Masson; South Turkmenistan and Karakum archaeological expeditions
- Coordinates
- 36.8579°, 60.4324°
Sources
Nearby excavations
- Ancient Merv 178 km
- Gonur Depe 207 km
- Old Nisa 231 km
- Toprak-Kala 565 km
- Kampyr Tepe 588 km
- Fayaz Tepe 601 km
- —
- —
- 12.000
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Arkeofili ↗ · Excavation notebook - New prehistoric settlement identified on the shore of the Dardanelles
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