Turkey

There is evidence of human habitation in Anatolia (Asia Minor) from around 7500 BC. Catal Huyuk (on the Konya Plain) flourished between 6500 and 5800 BC to become one of the world’s largest and most important Neolithic sites. Between 1800 and 1200 BC much of Anatolia came under Hittite rule, initially centred on Cappadocia. The artistic work of the Hittites shows a high level of culture with Babylonian and Assyrian influence. Greek colonies were established around the Anatolian coast from around 700 BC including Byzantium, which was founded by Greeks from Megara in 667 BC. Anatolia was conquered by Persians in the 6th century BC.