Archaeological discoveries often provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient civilizations. Recently, a remarkable find in Turkey has captured the attention of historians and archaeologists alike: a 5,000-year-old toy chariot and rattle unearthed in the ancient city of Sogmatar. This discovery not only sheds light on the play activities of children during the Bronze Age but also adds to our understanding of the cultural and societal norms of that era. In this article, we delve into the significance of this find, the history of Sogmatar, and other related discoveries that paint a broader picture of ancient childhood.
Ancient City of Sogmatar Yields Interesting Finds
The ancient city of Sogmatar, located in southeastern Turkey, has long been a site of significant historical interest. According to the International Business Times (IBTimes), ongoing excavations in this area have revealed several intriguing artifacts, including the recently discovered toy chariot. Sogmatar is believed to be one of the oldest known settlements on Earth and is thought to have connections to the Prophet Moses, who reportedly escaped from the Pharaoh and later engaged in farming in this region.
The hill town at the center of the village, with its remnants of walls and towers, suggests that Sogmatar was established before the Common Era and used as a castle in the second century AD. Assistant Professor Yusuf Albayrak of Turkey’s Harran University, who is part of the archaeological team, describes Sogmatar as a Pagan religious center dating back to the second century AD. After a surface survey in 2012, Albayrak discovered that the city was dedicated to the moon god Sin and included both a temple and a necropolis.
The Temple of the Seven Planets
One of the most significant structures in Sogmatar is the Temple of the Seven Planets. This temple, which is dedicated to planetary deities, highlights the religious and astronomical significance of the city. The temple’s architecture and the artifacts found within provide valuable insights into the religious practices and cosmological beliefs of the inhabitants.
For the Children of Kings
The excavation work in Sogmatar began in May 2017, and since then, archaeologists have uncovered numerous tombs, including the one containing the ancient toy chariot and rattle. Celal Uludag, the director of the Sogmatar excavations, explained to Turkish news agency Anadolu that the toy chariot, made of earthenware and complete with wheels, dates back to the Bronze Age. It is believed to have been created for the children of kings or city administrators, demonstrating the artistic sensibilities and the importance of play in ancient times.
Recent Discoveries of Ancient Toys Inside Greek Tombs
Interestingly, the discovery in Sogmatar is not an isolated incident. Just two weeks prior, archaeologists reported finding ancient Greek toys in the tombs of children in Parion, an ancient seaport city in modern-day Turkey. Parion, founded in 709 BC, was a Greek colony that later became part of the Delian League and subsequently fell under the control of various Hellenistic and Roman rulers.
Excavations in Parion revealed several children’s toys, which were likely placed in the tombs as gifts to accompany the deceased children on their journey to the afterlife. Professor Hasan Kasaoğlu from Atatürk University, who led the excavation efforts, noted that female figurines were found in girls’ tombs, while male figurines were discovered in boys’ tombs. These findings offer valuable insights into the sociocultural structure of the period and underscore the timeless nature of play and entertainment in human societies.
Conclusion
The discovery of a 5,000-year-old toy chariot in Sogmatar, Turkey, is a significant archaeological find that enriches our understanding of ancient childhood and societal norms. Alongside similar discoveries in Parion, these artifacts highlight the universal and enduring nature of play. As we continue to unearth and study such remnants of the past, we gain a deeper appreciation for the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations. These discoveries remind us that, despite the passage of millennia, the fundamental aspects of human life, such as the need for play and the importance of childhood, remain remarkably consistent.
