Monjukli Depe

Monjukli Depe is an archaeological site located in the arid plains of south Turkmenistan, near the Kopet Dag mountains. This site provides valuable insights into the transition from Neolithic to Chalcolithic cultures, with layers dating from approximately 6200 BCE to 4340 BCE. The Neolithic phase is characterized by the presence of the Jeitun culture, followed by a significant settlement hiatus and subsequent Chalcolithic resettlement. Archaeological features include standardized square houses, livestock enclosures, and artistic elements such as murals. The inhabitants primarily engaged in herding sheep and goats, agriculture, and ritual activities involving cattle. Monjukli Depe's significance lies in its well-preserved stratigraphy, which helps establish regional chronological frameworks and cultural developments during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods in Central Asia.