Uncovering the Secrets of an Ancient City: Was It Ruled by Women?

A recent study suggests that an ancient city, Çatalhöyük in Turkey, was likely governed by women over 9,000 years ago. This groundbreaking research, published in Science, reveals insights into what life might have been like in a “matriarchal society.” Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 130 skeletons found in the mudbrick homes of this well-preserved Neolithic site.

Çatalhöyük, active from 9000 to 8000 BCE, is famous for its female figurines, which may represent a “Mother Goddess” cult. The study highlights how maternal lineage was crucial for connecting families. Initially, family members were buried together, but over time, many burials had no genetic ties. Most connections traced through females suggest that men often moved into their wives’ households after marriage.

Using genetic sequencing, experts found that female descendants usually stayed in the same homes, while males often moved away. In fact, young women received significantly more grave goods than their male counterparts—evidence of preferential treatment.

Dr. Eline Schotsmans, a co-author from the University of Wollongong, emphasized the importance of recognizing different cultural systems. “We should challenge the Western idea that all societies are patrilineal,” she said. Some cultures, like certain Indigenous Australian groups, have long passed identity and land rights through women. This belief aids in understanding diverse human histories.

This discovery is part of a larger trend in archaeology. For example, a recent study on Celtic society in Britain found similar patterns. Researchers examined 57 graves and revealed that women, not men, were closely related within communities. Such findings support the idea that women had influential roles in land management and social structures.

These recent insights show that matriarchal societies are more common than often assumed. Both the Çatalhöyük and Celtic studies highlight the significance of female connections in ancient times. As we explore history, it becomes clear that women’s roles may have been much more pivotal than traditionally thought.

For more on this topic, check out this study published in Nature, which discusses women’s social networks in ancient societies.

These findings reshape our understanding of history and challenge long-held beliefs about gender roles in ancient cultures.

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DNA, Genetic Genealogy