Persian Empire: Introduction

     Persia was the largest and most impressive of the world's empires by 500 B.C.E., spanning three continents and having a total population of approximately 35 million. Under the leadership of the famous monarchs Cyrus the Great (reigned 557-530 B.C.E.) and Darius (reigned 522-486 B.C.E.) the empire quickly expanded and gained immense wealth. What was unique about this empire was its respect for non-Persian cultural traditions and religions.
     The empire's government was a centralized, bureaucratic administration under the Emperor. The monarch was secluded in "royal magnificence" and could only be approached through an elaborate ritual. The great empire fell in 330 B.C.E. after Alexander III of Macedon led a military campaign against Persia.

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 10

Obsidian Mirror

     The small black circle in the photo the photograph above is actually what many archaeologists believe to be a mirror made out of obsidian. This was achieved by smoothing the volcanic rock down until it was shiny enough that you were able to see some form of a reflection.

Works Cited
Picture: https://www.courses.psu.edu/art_h/art_h201_ejw3/catal.html

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 9

Jewelry

     The jewelry found in Catal Huyuk was made of bone, shells, and rock. The real mystery is how these ancient artisans drilled such small and precise holes into the matter they were working with.

Works Cited:
Picture: https://cattalhuyuk.wikispaces.com/Artifacts

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 8

Carved Bone

     The bones carved bones shown would have acted as sewing needles or tools for sewing and weaving.

Works Cited
Information: Benn, Nathan. "Neolithic carved bone implements from Catal Huyuk." Corbis. Corbis
     Corporation, 2002-2014. Web. 13 Sept. 2014.
Picture: http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-25028915/neolithic-carved-bone-implements-from-catal-huyuk

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 7

Clay Pots

     Many of the cups, bowls, and pots found in the city of Catal Huyuk were baked clay or painted plaster. Archaeologists think they may have found what might be evidence of kilns in the ancient city. All pieces seemed to have a reddish pigment to them. One can tell cups apart from everything else, because of the pinched corners.

Works Cited
Information: "Pottery." Mysteries of ÇatalHöyük! Science Museum of Minnesota, 2003. Web.
     12 Sept. 2014.
Picture(s): http://www.smm.org/catal/artifacts/pottery/

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 6

Baked Clay Seals

      Baked clay seals with geometric designs were excavated at Catal Huyuk in central Anatolia. Made about 6000 B.C., the seals were used to stamp dye decorations onto skin or cloth.

Works Cited
Information: Benn, Nathan. Alamy. Alamy Ltd., 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
Picture: http://users.stlcc.edu/mfuller/catalhuyuk.html

Çatalhöyük: Artifact 5

Religion: Goddess of the Underworld

           This figure appears alone in one of Catal Huyuk's sacred chambers. The circles most likely mean that the figurine s pregnant. The goddess is wearing a net-like garment and holding a veil of black, red, and yellow. The veil is similar to the woven Catal shrouds placed on the dead.
      There are many similarities drawn between ancient Greek religion (commonly known as Greek 'mythology') and Catal Huyuk beliefs. Check out the website for more on the goddess and those similar to her in both the ancient Greek and Egyptian religions.

Works Cited:
Information: "Catal Huyuk: Origins of Civilizations." Alternative Archaeology.
     alternativearchaeology. Web. 12 Sept. 2014.
Picture: http://alternativearchaeology.jigsy.com/catal-huyuk