Image Credit: Çatalhöyük Research Project/Peter F. Biehl

Matriarchal Clues in Neolithic DNA

A new DNA study of 131 individuals buried at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) reveals a strong preference for female lineages, suggesting a matrilocal society around 8,000–9,000 years ago. While families lived in tightly packed mudbrick homes and buried their dead beneath the floors, genetic evidence shows most housemates were not closely related—except often along the female line.
This challenges earlier assumptions about kinship and suggests that women played a central role in forming households. Although not a full matriarchy, the findings support the idea of matrilocality—women staying in the same home while men moved.
Grave goods found with women, such as richer offerings, further point to higher status. The research also shows continuity between the older East Mound and the later West Mound, once believed to be culturally distinct. The study used advanced DNA analysis from the petrous bone, which preserves genetic material well, even in dry climates.
These findings reshape our understanding of Neolithic household structure, gender roles, and the early spread of culture and technology into Europe from Western Asia.

Published on: 28-06-2025

Source: University of Bonn