Content uploaded by Joel Klenck
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Joel Klenck on Oct 15, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
10/14/2020 "Noah's Ark" Prehistoric Sites Exhibit Array of Ancient Stone Tools | Jan 21, 2013 - ReleaseWire
www.releasewire.com/press-releases/noahs-ark-prehistoric-sites-exhibit-array-of-ancient-stone-tools-196370.htm 1/3
Sign Up LoginServices Process Newsroom Help About
Email Alerts | RSS
Archaeologist reports prehistoric sites on Mount Ararat in Turkey exhibit range of lithic tools from a period that represents
the transition from the Stone Age to the advent of farming.
Miami, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/21/2013 --Harvard University educated archaeologist and president of the archaeological
contract rm PRC, Inc., Dr. Joel Klenck, reports that prehistoric sites on Mount Ararat in Turkey, associated with Noah’s Ark
by several religious organizations, exhibit an array of lithic or stone tools.
Klenck remarks, “Archaeological sites on Ararat, which comprise a monumental wood structure, smaller wood edices, and
a cave, originate from the Late Epipaleolithic Period (13,100 to 9,600 B.C.). From the cave and the interior of the
monumental wood structure, a variety of stone tools including percussor or hammer stones, akes or debitage, stone
cores, and basalt bowls.”
The archaeologist states, “Lithic artifacts are prevalent in and above the monumental wood structure. On the surface of the
site, near tunnels excavated to enter the structure from the surface, a mélange of stone tools were identied including
stone cores, debitage, and pounding stones. Another artifact made of pumice appears to be an anthropomorphic or
human-like gure. An L-shaped grinding platform was located in Locus 4—a sharply angled entrance to three other loci.
Three stone bowls were found in Locus 7. One stone bowl was identied from Locus 5.”
Klenck states, “Several of the stone cores and debitage appear to be from local material. Conversely, the grinding stone is
made of limestone and several of the hammer stones do not resemble lithic materials from the surface and are most likely
from another locale—perhaps the Levant. Future petrological analyses should clarify the geographical origins of these lithic
artifacts.”
The archaeologist comments, “Currently, there is a debate amongst archaeologist about the origins of the Pre-Pottery
Neolithic A or roughly the rst farming cultures. Turkish professors Oktay Belli and Mehmet Ozdogan suggest the origins of
the Neolithic were in the mountainous regions of eastern Turkey. Other archeologists suggest a Levantine origin for the
Neolithic. The Ararat assemblage suggests both views might be correct. Several of the artifacts are not from the Ararat area
and suggest a Levantine origin or a source somewhere in Jordan, Israel, or Lebanon. Furthermore, there is surprisingly no
evidence of obsidian at the site. Obsidian or volcanic glass is visible at many Neolithic sites showing trade with the Nevsehir
Province in Central Anatolia. The Ararat sites originate from the Epipaleolithic and its lithic assemblage most likely dates
from a period before widespread obsidian trading with sites in Cappadocia.”
Klenck concludes, “The prehistoric sites on Mount Ararat will add to our knowledge of the origins of the Neolithic and
prehistoric stone tool technology during the transition from the Stone Age to the advent of farming communities.”
About PRC, Inc.
Founded in 2007, PRC, Inc. provides comprehensive worldwide archaeological services including surveys, excavations, and
research.
Joel Klenck
President
PRC, Inc.
786-277-4844
10/14/2020 "Noah's Ark" Prehistoric Sites Exhibit Array of Ancient Stone Tools | Jan 21, 2013 - ReleaseWire
www.releasewire.com/press-releases/noahs-ark-prehistoric-sites-exhibit-array-of-ancient-stone-tools-196370.htm 3/3
Source: PRC, Inc.
Posted Monday, January 21, 2013 at 11:19 AM CST - Permalink
For information regarding the content of this press release please contact the media relations contact listed above directly.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Service | Report Abuse
Copyright © 2005 - 2020 - ReleaseWire LLC
All Rights Reserved - Important Disclaimer
linkedin-
icon
Try it now with