Göbekli Tepe – Neolithic Temple or Monolithic slaughterhouse?

Abstract

Göbekli Tepe is an ancient site in upper Mesopotamia recognised as an artificial mound by K Schmidt in 1994. Circles comprising large monolithic stones, described as T-pillars, were interpreted by Schmidt as ‘monumental’ and he identified the site as a sanctuary. This theory was expanded upon by numerous academics and others and soon Göbekli Tepe became known as a ritualistic centre or even a religious site or temple. The prevailing interpretation may be challenged on the premise that the construction of Göbekli Tepe had a different purpose altogether, a premise supported by environmental, geographical, archaeological and anthropological evidence, hence the topic of this proposal: was Göbekli Tepe indeed a Neolithic temple or simply a utilitarian construction used for something as mundane as a monolithic slaughterhouse, a circular building constructed of large pillars and used for the slaughter of animals and concomitant activities?