Recent archaeological excavations at Çatalhöyük, a significant Neolithic settlement in central Anatolia, have unveiled remarkable insights into ancient medical practices and social organization. Notably, researchers have uncovered evidence of trepanation—a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull—on a young male individual. This finding suggests that inhabitants of Çatalhöyük engaged in medical treatments for therapeutic purposes approximately 8,500 years ago. The presence of incision marks indicates that the procedure was performed posthumously, likely to alleviate suffering or as part of burial rituals. This discovery provides valuable information about the medical practices and cultural beliefs of early Neolithic societies.
In addition to medical practices, DNA analysis of 131 individuals buried at Çatalhöyük has revealed a preference for female lineages, indicating a matrilineal social structure. This genetic evidence suggests that households were passed from mother to daughter, offering new perspectives on the social organization and familial structures of ancient communities. The findings contribute to our understanding of the evolution of social systems and the role of women in early agricultural societies.
These discoveries at Çatalhöyük not only enhance our knowledge of ancient medical practices and social structures but also underscore the site's significance in understanding the development of human societies during the Neolithic period.