An Integrated Zooarchaeological and Micromorphological Perspective on Midden Taphonomy at Late Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Abstract The disposal of cultural material at Çatalhöyük, Turkey (7100–5950 cal BCE) has created substantial midden deposits between buildings and within abandoned houses. These consist a variety materials, including environmental remains such as eggshell, mollusks, seeds, phytoliths, charcoal, fecal material, along with artefacts pottery, figurines, beads, lithics. Animal bone human also form significant component. Understanding the taphonomy these their formation processes is essential in order to interpret activities represented. Here we present taphonomic analysis middens from TP Area site (Late Neolithic, Final Phase), terms natural alterations bone, through combination zooarchaeological analysis, micromorphological associated sedimentary contexts. Comparisons studies earlier enable us account for post-depositional processes, implications they have interpreting past waste management practices. Integrating sediment enables refinement interpretations faunal highlights advantages multi-proxy approach.