From 8000 BC to 2000 BC

When attempting to understand and comment on the civilisation in which we live, one of the subjects that arouses the most curiosity is undoubtedly the desire to learn the stages that mankind has passed through to reach this point in time. In the book in front of you the author has attempted to describe, with archaeological facts, some of the development process of civilisation in the prehistoric period before the discovery of writing, from around 8000 to 2000 BC, in the region of Southwest Anatolia, Burdur and Antalya. The presence of many impressive city and monuments from the Classical Period in the Antalya and Burdur regions and their vicinity reflects the importance of this region in historical times. However, the region also has important and interesting finds from the prehistoric periods. One of the aims of this book is to introduce and describe as many as possible of the visual finds uncovered in the excavations carried out over the past 50 years at the four main prehistoric settlements of the region, Hacilar, Kurucay, Hoyucek and Bademagaci. While some of the pictures, drawings and plans are presented for the first time in this book, most of them have been published before in excavation reports, books or articles. However, as is the case in most academic fields, the majority of these publications are only read by professionals, making it virtually impossible for most people to have access to them. It is hoped that this book will help to change this situation to a degree, as it has been presented in such a way as to enable all those interested in the subject to benefit from the information given.