Gazelle behaviour and human presence at early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, south-east Anatolia

2013/08/01 by Caroline Lang, Joris Peters, Nadja Pöllath +2 · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Social Sciences · Environmental Science · #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Isotope Analysis in Ecology #Megalith #Archaeology #Prehistory #Geography #Zooarchaeology

paper · doi:10.1080/00438243.2013.820648

openalex publication_date 2013/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

With its impressive megalithic architecture dating to the tenth to ninth millennium cal. bc, the site of Göbekli Tepe (south-east Anatolia) is singular in the cultural history of mankind. Excavations at this ritual centre produced a rich archaeofaunal assemblage dominated by skeletal remains of Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). In order to trace relevant features of this species' behaviour in early Neolithic times relating to its dietary demands, catchment area and annual round, zooarchaeological analysis was complemented by stable isotope analysis of carbon, oxygen and strontium in tooth enamel and bone apatite. Demographic profiles and stable isotope results are consistent with a seasonal presence and hence migratory behaviour in gazelle. Conceivably working events, feasting and performing rituals at Göbekli Tepe coincided with high game density in the southern Anti-Taurus piedmont.

Citations

• Prehistoric Economy in the Mount Carmel Area of Palestine: Site Catchment Analysis
• The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey
• Strontium Isotopes from the Earth to the Archaeological Skeleton: A Review
• The Characterization of Biologically Available Strontium Isotope Ratios for the Study of Prehistoric Migration
• STABLE ISOTOPES IN ECOSYSTEM STUDIES

Cited by

• Göbekli Tepe [wikipedia]