Horuztepe
Horuztepe
Early Bronze III (2800–2300 BCE)·Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian·🇹🇷 Tokat Province, Erbaa Plain, Turkey
About
About Horuztepe
Horuztepe in Tokat Province, Erbaa Plain, Turkey is a Early Bronze III (2800–2300 BCE) tumulus of Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian tradition. Elite extramural cemetery of the Erbaa plain with Transcaucasian metalwork. , 8 m high, cist graves. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose cist graves with timber lids, copper alloy lost-wax, gold diadems architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds. Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian networks across the Tokat Province.
Threats include agricultural encroachment, looting, road construction; research continues on Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian Early Bronze III (2800–2300 BCE) in Tokat Province, Erbaa Plain; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.2600 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze III (2800–2300 BCE)
- Culture
- Early Bronze Pontic–Anatolian
- Purpose
- Elite extramural cemetery of the Erbaa plain with Transcaucasian metalwork
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.2600 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
40.3600° N · 36.5700° E · 750 m · 3 mapped features
Horuztepe — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
40.3604° N · 36.5705° EHoruztepe — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
40.3594° N · 36.5694° EHoruztepe — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
40.3602° N · 36.5692° E