Ayn Ghazal (archaeological site)

Ayn Ghazal is a significant Neolithic archaeological site located near Amman, Jordan. It dates back to the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period, with settlement phases beginning around 8300 BCE. The site is famous for its large anthropomorphic statues, considered some of the oldest known large-sized human figures. At its peak, around 7000 BCE, the settlement spanned 10-15 hectares and was home to approximately 3,000 people. The inhabitants practiced agriculture, cultivating cereals and legumes, and managed domesticated animals such as goats. The site shows evidence of social stratification, ritual practices, and unique burial customs, including skull retrieval and decoration. Ayn Ghazal provides valuable insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer groups to settled agricultural communities during the Neolithic period.