Kestel, Bronze Age archaeological site in Taurus Mountains, Turkey
Kestel is a Bronze Age archaeological site in the Taurus Mountains featuring an extensive network of mining tunnels that penetrate deep underground. The passages reveal the scale of ancient mining operations and the labor required to extract ore from the mountainside.
The site was actively mined for tin from around 3290 to 1840 BCE, as evidenced by tools and pottery found during excavations. This extended period of use demonstrates the importance of this mining area to ancient civilizations in the region.
The site reveals how ancient miners organized their labor and developed specialized techniques for extracting tin from deep underground. Visitors can see stone tools and work patterns that show the complexity of their mining operations.
Visit during warmer months when mountain conditions are more favorable for exploring the tunnels and passages. The nearby village of Celaller in Niğde Province serves as the main reference point for finding and accessing the site.
Excavations uncovered the remains of roughly 12 to 15 children within the mine shafts, pointing to the harsh realities of how this work was organized. This sobering discovery provides insight into the labor practices of Bronze Age mining operations.
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