1-152-346 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Prehistoric Anatolian cultural relic from Catal Huyuk, 5750 BC. A gold figure in the form of a stag. The archaeological remains found at Catal Huyuk in central Anatolia indicate that a settlement existed on the site from at least 6500 BC. By the time this figure was produced, it was an important town, covering an area of around 32 acres with a population of as many as 6000. It represents one of the oldest urban communities yet found by archaeologists. Catal Huyuk was mysteriously abandoned in about 5600 BC and a new city was established a short distance away. This artefact is housed in the Istanbul Museum.