The Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea
Explanation
Catal Huyuk is a prominent Neolithic settlement located in the Konya Plain of southern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). It is dated between approximately 7500 BC and 5700 BC and is renowned for its well-preserved evidence of early urban life, complex art, and extensive trade networks.
The archaeological findings at this inland site demonstrate that Neolithic communities were not isolated but engaged in long-distance exchange to procure exotic materials:
- Cowries: These specific marine shells were sourced from the Red Sea.
- Shells: Other varieties of shells found at the site originated from the Mediterranean Sea.
Since Catal Huyuk is located far from these water bodies, the presence of these marine items confirms the existence of established trade routes connecting the settlement to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Key Takeaway: The discovery of cowries and shells at the inland Neolithic site of Catal Huyuk provides clear evidence of long-distance trade links extending to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.