Alacahöyük excavations reveal the first Hittite skeleton in central Turkey

A skeleton dated to the Hittite period marks this seasons’ second important discovery at the ancient ruins of the Hittite city at Alacahöyük in Anatolian province of Çorum, Turkey. The skeleton marks the first Hittite-era individual discovered in the region.

Skeleton found at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)
Skeleton found at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)

Human occupation lasted at the site since Neolithic but the most important structures come from the Bronze Age, when the Hatti and Hittite Kingdoms emerged in Anatolia. It is a place where earliest examples of copper and stone tools were found. The Alacahöyük site also contains royal tombs dating to the 3rd century BC, with precious artefacts including jewellery, weapons, metal vessels and elaborate pieces of art.

Underground passage found at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)
Underground passage found at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)

The experts say that the discovery could break new ground in the study of the lives of ancient peoples. Earlier this month a secret tunnel, called a potern, was found near the temple complex at the site.

Excavations of the underground passage at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)
Excavations of the underground passage at Alacahöyük (by Daily Sabah)

(after Daily Sabah)

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