An Early Chalcolithic Building From Köşk Höyük

Abstract

Here we will introduce a two-phase residential unit-one that is quite original considering its period-and the artifacts found within it that have been discovered in the Köşk Höyük. The original building (measuring 9.00 by 6.75 meters) was built during the stratum one phase of the tumulus. This building was destroyed by fire and was then rebuilt during the second statum with dimensions of 6.75 by 3.60 meters. This new building was built using the entire eastern wall and part of the southern and northern walls of the original building. Only the western wall was a completely new addition. The new building differs from the previous one, not just in its dimensions, but also as far as its plan and internal fittings are concerned. Carbonized remains of wood from this building demonstrate that at least 54 oak and pine had been used in the construction. A dating analysis shows us that there is a 53-year difference between the felling date of the trees used in the two different strata, with the date of the first building being 4911+102/-58 B.C. All the artifacts found in the building, beginning from the ceramic, are of the kind one would find in a self-sufficient residential unit. Most of the artifacts related to the first phase consist of pots used to satisfy daily needs and chores, but there are also some with special shapes. The manufacturing techniques and shapes of the ceramic objects are the same in each strata. They are all monochromatic. Some are decorated with eyebrow, eye and bull horn patterns, some of which are in relief. Some of the containers of both phases have been repaired by means of tar pitch inserted in the cracks or by reinforcing the cracks with a top layering.