Introduction
Archaeological discoveries often unveil intriguing facets of ancient civilizations. Recently, Turkey witnessed an extraordinary find in the ancient city of Sogmatar: a 5,000-year-old toy chariot and rattle. This discovery not only offers insights into children’s play during the Bronze Age but also enriches our understanding of cultural and societal norms from that era.
History of Sogmatar
Situated in southeastern Turkey, Sogmatar is among the world’s oldest known settlements. Historical accounts suggest its ties to Prophet Moses, who purportedly farmed in the region after escaping the Pharaoh. The hill town at its core, with remnants of walls and towers, indicates its establishment before the Common Era, later serving as a fortress in the second century AD.
The Temple of the Seven Planets
Central to Sogmatar is the Temple of the Seven Planets, dedicated to planetary deities, underscoring the city’s religious and astronomical significance. This structure and its artifacts provide valuable insights into ancient religious practices and cosmological beliefs.
Discovery of the Toy Chariot
Excavations since May 2017 have unearthed various tombs in Sogmatar, including one housing the ancient toy chariot and rattle. Made of earthenware and equipped with wheels, this chariot, dating back to the Bronze Age, was likely crafted for the offspring of royalty or city administrators, showcasing the era’s artistic prowess and the importance of play.
Parallel Discoveries in Parion
In a parallel discovery, archaeologists in Parion, an ancient Greek seaport within modern Turkey, found ancient Greek toys in children’s tombs. These artifacts, including female figurines in girls’ tombs and male figurines in boys’, shed light on the sociocultural dynamics of the period and emphasize the enduring role of play in human societies.
Conclusion
The unearthing of a 5,000-year-old toy chariot in Sogmatar stands as a pivotal archaeological find, deepening our comprehension of ancient childhood and societal mores. Together with discoveries from Parion, these artifacts underscore the timeless nature of play. As we continue to excavate and analyze remnants of the past, we gain profound insights into the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations, reaffirming that certain aspects of human existence, such as the significance of play and childhood, transcend millennia.
