Qermez Dere
Early Neolithic settlement in Iraq
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Qermez Dere was an early Neolithic settlement in the northwestern edges of Tal Afar in Nineveh, Iraq. This archaeological site was discovered in 1987 during a rescue operation.[1] It covers an area of about 100 metres (330 ft) x 60 metres (200 ft) and forms a 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall tell. The buildings were made of primitive Mud bricks, which is not a perennial material, and are mostly destroyed. However, archaeologists have excavated a one-room structure in good shape. The room's corners are rounded, showing the care that went into its construction.[2][3] Also, vestiges of non-structural clay columns have been found, suggesting primitive instances of furniture.[4]
| Qermez Dere | |
|---|---|
| |
  Location of Qermez Dere in Iraq  Qermez Dere (Near East) | |
| 36°31′0.01″N 42°49′59.99″E | |
| Type | Settlement |
| Periods | Pre-Pottery Neolithic |
| Location | Nineveh, Iraq |
| History | |
| Built | c. 8500 BC |
| Abandoned | c. 7900 BC |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1987, 1989-1990 |
| Archaeologists | Trevor Watkins |
| Discovered | 1987 |
Radiocarbon dating has estimated that Qermez Dere was built between 8500 BC and 7900 BC.
