Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that an ancient city, Çatalhöyük, was likely run by women in a matriarchal society over 9,000 years ago. The findings were published in a recent study in Science, which analyzed the genomes of over 130 skeletons discovered in the city. Çatalhöyük, located in southern Anatolia, Turkey, is known for being one of the most well-preserved Neolithic settlements, having been occupied from 9000 to 8000 BCE.
The site is notable for its female figurines that may represent a “Mother Goddess” cult, hinting at the societal structure of the time. The research team, comprising geneticists, archaeologists, and biological anthropologists, utilized advanced technologies to investigate the DNA of the skeletons over a twelve-year period. A significant discovery was that maternal lineage was vital in connecting household members based on burial practices.
Initially, families buried their members together, but this changed over time; many remains lacked biological connections. Where connections were found, they predominantly followed the maternal line, indicating that husbands may have moved into their wives’ households after marriage. The study revealed that female offspring maintained connections to their family households 70 to 100% of the time, while adult males often left.
Additionally, the research indicated that females received five times more grave goods compared to males, suggesting a pattern of preferential treatment. Co-author Dr. Eline Schotsmans stressed the importance of recognizing matrilineal systems, which can be found in various cultures, including some Indigenous Australian groups. These insights come on the heels of another study focusing on Celtic society in Britain, which found similar patterns in a late Iron Age cemetery.
Women were closely related, while men often married into the community, further emphasizing the potential prominence of maternal lineage in shaping social identities across cultures.