Ulucak Höyük
Ulucak Höyük
Neolithic–Early Bronze (6850–3000 BCE)·Aegean Neolithic·🇹🇷 Izmir Province, Kemalpaşa, Turkey
About
About Ulucak Höyük
Ulucak Höyük in Izmir Province, Kemalpaşa, Turkey is a Neolithic–Early Bronze (6850–3000 BCE) tell attributed to Aegean Neolithic. Longest continuous Aegean Neolithic sequence. Stratified deposits with radiocarbon sequence and imported materials trace long-distance exchange. Systematic and rescue excavations exposed houses, fortifications and craft zones preserved as a multi-period tell on aerial imagery.
Why it mattersKey Aegean Neolithic sequence for Izmir Province, Kemalpaşa; defines regional chronology for Neolithic–Early Bronze.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Phasing precision vs radiocarbon plateau
- 02Ritual vs domestic architecture?
Theories
- 01Regional centre model
- 02ceremonial/territorial marker
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.6850–3000 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic–Early Bronze (6850–3000 BCE)
- Culture
- Aegean Neolithic
- Purpose
- Longest continuous Aegean Neolithic sequence
- Rediscovered
- 1984 survey; systematic excavations
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.6850
Village founded on terrace/plain
c.3946 BCE
Peak occupation — plastered houses and painted pottery
1994
Systematic excavations uncover stratigraphy
On the ground
Structures & features
38.4072° N · 27.4183° E · 145 m · 3 mapped features
Ulucak Höyük — Central mound/acropolis
structureMain stratified summit with houses/fortifications and sequence
38.4075° N · 27.4185° EUlucak Höyük — Lower town / extramural area
complexLower town or extramural cemetery/workshop zone
38.4068° N · 27.4186° EUlucak Höyük — Craft / midden quarter
workshopWorkshop or midden with pottery and tools
38.4074° N · 27.4179° E