Neolithic settlement sites in Western Turkey - palaeogeographic studies at Çukuriçi Höyük and Arvalya Höyük

Çukuriçi Höyük and Arvalya Höyük are two prehistoric settlement mounds (tells) located in parallel striking valleys in the environs of Ephesus, W Turkey. They were studied with geoarchaeological methods in order to reconstruct their environmental setting, areal extension and distinct settlement phases, as well as the vegetation history. Both tells are situated on small ridges flanked by rivers and their alluvial plains which were suitable for cultivation. The Neolithic coastline was located at a distance of c. 1.5-2 km to the north. Çukuriçi Höyük covers an area of c. 200 m × 100 m; its strata have a total thickness of at least 8.50 m. The oldest remains, dating from the 7th millennium BC, represent an advanced Neolithic culture closely linked to the sea. The oldest foundations reveal that the site was intentionally chosen on the ridge within the still naturally wooded vegetated landscape. Other than Çukuriçi Höyük, Arvalya Höyük has not yet been excavated. However, geophysical measurements and corings revealed that it covers an area of c. 100 m × 60 m, and that it is constructed of several settlement layers with a total thickness of at least 3.50 m. Radar and geomagnetic images show building structures including fireplaces and pits, surrounded by a rampart-ditch construction as a potential enclosure.