by James Mellaart Lecturer in Prehistoric Archaeology in the University of Istanbul
The site of Chatal Huyiik on the Anatolian plateau has revealed the largest Neolithic settlement so far known in the Near East, with its earliest building levels dating probably from about 7000 B.C.; but its unique feature is the figurative and geometric wall paintings found there. James Mellaart , who is in charge of the excavations, talks about the way Chatal Hiiyiik fits into the prehistoric chronology of this Near Eastern area.