The archaeological site of Çatalhöyük, considered the world’s first proto-city, offers intriguing insights into human social structures nearly 10,000 years ago. Recent discoveries suggest that this ancient settlement may have functioned as a matriarchy, driven by strong maternal lines as revealed through DNA analyses. Findings indicate that women remained in their birth homes while men moved in, creating a matrilocal organization that contrasts markedly with the patriarchal patterns observed in other Neolithic societies. Researchers analyzed genomes from over a hundred skeletons found in 35 homes.

The patterns of burial suggest that family relationships were predominantly traced along maternal lines, with boys leaving their natal homes while girls did not. This suggests a unique social structure where women held a central role in family and community life. Additionally, DNA analysis revealed surprising trends in burial practices. Female infants were often buried with significantly more grave goods than their male counterparts, suggesting a cultural preference for girls, or at least an acknowledgment of their significance within the society.

This abundance of offerings does not explicitly prove the existence of goddess worship, but it may indicate symbolic meanings tied to femininity. Çatalhöyük’s unusual layout, featuring rooftop access to homes and a lack of centralized authority, poses challenges for modern interpretations of social organization. Scholars have debated whether its structure represents equality or a unique order, with the latest genetic evidence indicating a complex arrangement shaped by women and influenced by evolving traditions over generations. While the findings are fascinating, scholars are cautious about labeling Çatalhöyük as a strictly “matrilineal” society, preferring the term “female-centered” to describe its social dynamics.

The current evidence indeed raises questions about the balance of power in ancient communities, highlighting a world where female influence was likely more significant than previously assumed.