Archaeologists have discovered possibly one of the oldest paint workshops of the world at the ancient settlement mound of Kanlıtaş, Eskişehir province, Turkey.

The settlement mound, excavated by archaeologist led by Ali Umut Türkcan of Anadolu University, is located on the northern slope of a hill in the middle of a valley. Archaeologists established that the mound was a permanent settlement encircled with large retaining walls to the east and the west. The fortifications provided protection for the ancient people living within the settlement. The research so far has proven that the mound was used as a production centre and a workshop.

On course of excavations the archaeologists discovered samples of paint in mortars, ground stones and a container. The remaining traces of paint are to be analysed to determine whether they were from organic or mineral sources. The researchers suspect that the the paint could be red ochre, which is produced from mineral sources.

(after Daily Sabah & AA Photo)