The ancients’ story plays a pivotal role in The Matriarch Matrix. The journey of Orzu and Nanshe from the Crimea to Anatolia is a reader favorite. Their story is founded on actual archeologic findings. Nanshe, the great matriarch of 
the story, founded the temple at Göbekli Tepe. Their family founds settlements at other similar developments.
Archeology since the publication of The Matriarch Matrix has continued to validate the extent of technology and art of the actual people who lived in the fictional times of the great matriarch Nanshe.
One such site is Karahan Tepe, lying 46 kilometers east of Göbekli Tepe.
Historical Significance
Karahan Tepe holds immense historical significance as it challenges traditional views on the development of early human societies. The site includes homes within a vast ritualistic complex, indicating that the inhabitants built permanent settlements long before the advent of agriculture.
This suggests that settled life began while humans were still hunter-gatherers, and agriculture was a result, not a cause, of settled life. The presence of both sacred and secular spaces at Karahan Tepe highlights the complexity of these early societies and their ability to engage in ritualistic practices alongside daily activities.
Discoveries Since 2018
Since 2018, Karahan Tepe has continued to reveal its secrets, providing a deeper understanding of early human civilization. Excavations have uncovered numerous monumental statues, architectural elements, and painted sculptures from the pre-Pottery Neolithic era (PPNA and PPNB), dating back to the 10th to 9th millennia BCE.
Among the most notable discoveries are a 2.3-meter tall statue of a seated figure holding a phallus, considered one of the earliest examples of realistic human sculpture. Additionally, a vulture statue with detailed features was found, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship of the site’s inhabitants.
Astronomical Implications and Ancient Aliens Theories
Karahan Tepe’s monumental structures and intricate carvings suggest advanced astronomical knowledge. One of the most intriguing discoveries is the site’s alignment with the winter solstice, indicating that its builders had a sophisticated understanding of celestial events.
This alignment, along with the site’s acoustical properties and shamanic symbolism, has led some researchers to propose that Karahan Tepe was used by shamans to connect with the Milky Way’s Galactic bulge, seen as the head of the cosmic serpent.
Theories about ancient aliens have also emerged, with some suggesting that the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge displayed at Karahan Tepe could be evidence of extraterrestrial influence.
These theories often draw parallels between Karahan Tepe and other ancient sites around the world, proposing that a lost supercivilization or extraterrestrial beings may have played a role in the development of early human societies.
Relation to Göbekli Tepe
Karahan Tepe is often compared to its more famous neighbor, Göbekli Tepe, located about 40 kilometers away. Both sites share similar architectural features, including T-shaped pillars and animal sculptures, suggesting a cultural connection between the two. Karahan Tepe is part of a broader region known as Taş Tepeler, which includes several other prehistoric sites that collectively provide a more comprehensive understanding of early human civilization in the region.
While Göbekli Tepe is often referred to as the “zero-point of history,” Karahan Tepe’s discoveries indicate that it may be even older, potentially predating Göbekli Tepe. The similarities between the two sites suggest that they were part of a network of interconnected settlements that played a crucial role in the development of early human societies.
Inhabitants of Karahan Tepe
The people who lived at Karahan Tepe were part of a complex hunter-gatherer society that built permanent settlements and engaged in ritualistic practices. Despite the presence of permanent structures, there is no evidence of farmed vegetation, indicating that the inhabitants relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. The site’s elaborate architecture and artistic achievements reflect a high level of social organization and cultural development.
Excavations at Karahan Tepe have revealed multiple layers of residential structures. The site includes various domestic buildings, communal structures, and enclosures, indicating a long-term, complex settlement. These layers provide valuable insights into the architectural and social evolution of the people who lived there over time.
The inhabitants of Karahan Tepe were skilled craftsmen, as evidenced by the detailed sculptures and carvings found at the site. Their ability to create realistic human figures and intricate animal depictions suggests a deep understanding of both artistic techniques and symbolic representation. The presence of both sacred and secular spaces indicates that the people of Karahan Tepe had a rich spiritual life, with rituals and ceremonies playing a central role in their society.
Conclusion
Karahan Tepe continues to captivate archaeologists and historians with its rich array of discoveries and its potential to reshape our understanding of early human civilization. The site’s monumental architecture, advanced astronomical knowledge, and intricate carvings provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of its inhabitants. As excavations continue, Karahan Tepe promises to reveal even more about the complex societies that existed long before the advent of agriculture, challenging our preconceptions about the origins of settled life and the development of early human cultures.
