Syria

Mureybet

Neolithic tell on the Euphrates, northern Syria

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Mureybet (Arabic: مريبط, romanized: muraybaṭ, lit. 'covered') is a tell, or ancient settlement mound, located on the west bank of the Euphrates in Raqqa Governorate, northern Syria. The site was excavated between 1964 and 1974 and has since disappeared under the rising waters of Lake Assad. Mureybet was occupied between 10,200 and 8,000 BC and is the eponymous type site for the Mureybetian culture, a subdivision of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA). In its early stages, Mureybet was a small village occupied by hunter-gatherers. Hunting was important and crops were first gathered and later cultivated, but they remained wild. During its final stages, domesticated animals were also present at the site.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Early and Middle PPNB (IVA, IVB)

8,600–8,000 BC

Khiamian phases (IB, IIA, IIB)

9,700–9,300 BC

Mureybetian phases (IIIA, IIIB)

9,300–8,600 BC

Occupation begins

c. 10,200 BC

Phase IA (Natufian)

10,200–9,700 BC

First survey and small sounding

1964

Major excavations (Van Loon)

1965

CNRS excavations (Cauvin)

1971–1974

Flooded by Lake Assad

1976

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Storage PitsContainers
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

WorkshopsToolmakers’ Areas
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Statues
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesPit HousesVillages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial MoundsSoil Layers
category

Food Production and Processing Features

HearthsCooking Pits
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Syria

Coordinates

36.04° N, 38.13° E