12,890-Year-Old Younger Dryas Settlement at Tell Qaramel | Ancient Architects

When studying the ancient Pre-Pottery Neolithic sites of the Fertile Crescent, Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and Jericho receive the most attention — for good reason. They feature incredible architecture and are truly ancient, dating back between 10,000 and 12,000 years.

But there is one site that many people have never even heard of — one that is even older than those mentioned and arguably even more important. It contains truly magnificent examples of ancient stone architecture and artefacts: a Proto-Neolithic settlement that was continuously occupied for 2,000 years, with origins predating the Younger Dryas and occupation continuing throughout and beyond it. The site charts the evolution of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic in a single location.