Unveiling Secrets of Neolithic Turkey: The Story of Aşıklı Höyük’s Soluble Salts

In this captivating episode of The Arch and Anth Podcast, we dive into the world of Neolithic Turkey and the remarkable insights hidden within the archaeological materials of Aşıklı Höyük. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of this ancient site through the eyes of Jordan Abell, a brilliant researcher from the Lamonet–Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University.

Meet Jordan Abell

A Multidisciplinary Explorer: Discover the fascinating journey of Jordan Abell, a scientist whose expertise spans geology, archaeology, and paleoclimatology. Get to know the mind behind groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of the past.

A Glimpse into the Past

Neolithic Turkey: Step back in time to approximately 10,000 years ago, to the ancient settlement of Aşıklı Höyük in central-south Turkey. Explore how Jordan and his team embarked on a quest to unveil the beginnings of animal domestication among the inhabitants of this Neolithic site.

Decoding Soluble Salts

Geochemical Magic: Delve into the world of geochemical analysis as we uncover how Jordan and his researchers identified and quantified soluble salts hidden within the layers of Aşıklı Höyük. Learn how this discovery was intertwined with archaeozoological evidence and baseline salt levels in the environment.

Beyond the Surface

Land, Air, and Water: Discover the broader scope of Jordan’s work in geology and atmospheric science. Explore his efforts to understand the complex interactions between air, land, and water in ancient landscapes, shedding light on the environmental conditions of the past.

Bridging Scientific Realms

Interdisciplinary Insights: Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of combining diverse scientific approaches. Learn how Jordan’s unique perspective has paved the way for answering intriguing questions about the landscapes of yesteryears.