Archaeologists Found Ancient Burials at Göbekli Tepe
Researchers determined that human remains found within the 10,000-year-old site were moved by ancient landslides.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Historical
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Archaeologists discovered that human remains at the Göbekli Tepe site in Southern Turkey were buried beneath residential houses. The findings, published on September 23, 2026, suggest that landslides later transported these remains into the temple complex.
Why it matters
The discovery clarifies that the scattered human bones found in the central sanctuary were not original temple features, but were instead displaced from domestic graves. This aligns Göbekli Tepe with broader regional Neolithic traditions of burying the dead beneath home floors.
Excavations at the 10,000-year-old site revealed a kidney-shaped grave on the slopes in 2017 containing three individuals, alongside a separate grave containing a woman found in 2022. Researchers also documented 21 heads found in a skull chamber.
The players
Göbekli Tepe
This is an archaeological site in Southern Turkey featuring monumental T-shaped limestone pillars that dates back to the Neolithic period.
PLOS ONE
This is a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal that publishes primary research from all disciplines within science and medicine.
The details
Archaeological excavations revealed that residents buried their deceased directly beneath the floors of their homes, a practice common in the Levant. Scientists identified deep incisions on dozens of skull fragments, supporting the theory that these remains were later shifted by natural landslides into the temple area containing T-shaped limestone pillars.
Timeline
10,000 years ago: The age of the Göbekli Tepe temple complex.
2017: Researchers discovered a kidney-shaped grave on the site's slopes.
2022: Scientists uncovered an additional grave containing a woman.
September 23, 2026: The research findings were published in PLOS ONE.
Deeper Dive
The burial practices identified at the site follow a pattern set by Levantine Neolithic burial traditions. These findings clarify that domestic funerary rites were a core component of the community's existence during the era of the temple complex.
This research provides deeper insight into the daily lives and cultural rituals of humanity 10,000 years ago. It helps readers understand the specific domestic habits and social structure of one of the world's oldest known monumental sites.
The takeaway
This study highlights the importance of distinguishing between original ritual architecture and displaced remains in archaeological sites. Understanding these burial customs provides a clearer picture of how ancient societies organized their living and resting spaces.
Further reading
Learn more about ancient human activity in the Historical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science.
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