Ancient City's Matriarchal Mysteries Unveiled

In the heart of Turkey, a city from over 9,000 years ago, Çatalhöyük, is revealing secrets about a society where women might have held significant power.

Researchers dug deep, studying the DNA of more than 130 skeletons from this ancient site. They found something fascinating: the female line was crucial in connecting family members within the same household.

A Shift in Burial Practices

Initially, families buried their dead together. But as time passed, things changed. Many of the deceased had no biological ties to the household. However, when there was a connection, it was through the female line. This suggests that men might have moved into the wife's household after marriage.

Females Treated Better Than Males

The research team also noticed something else. Females were often treated better than males. They were given more grave goods, sometimes five times more. This could hint at a society where women had more influence and status.

Challenging Assumptions About Ancient Societies

But here's a thought: why do we always assume that ancient societies were ruled by men? This discovery challenges that idea. It shows that matrilineal societies, where identity and rights pass through the mother, have existed for thousands of years. It's a reminder that our modern views might not always reflect the past.

Evidence of Women's Power in Ancient Times

This isn't the only evidence of women's power in ancient times. Similar findings from Celtic societies in Britain suggest that women controlled land and property. It seems that maternal ancestry might have shaped group identities in many ancient cultures.