El Kowm

El Kowm occupies a circular gap spanning 20 kilometers in the Syrian mountains, containing multiple prehistoric settlement sites and natural springs.

The site revealed evidence of human occupation spanning over one million years, including a 450,000-year-old Homo erectus skull fragment discovered in 1996.

Archaeological excavations uncovered five distinct periods of settlement, demonstrating the evolution of human society from nomadic hunters to agricultural communities.

The archaeological area encompasses three hectares of tells, with numerous excavation zones that contain preserved remains of early water management systems.

Paleobotanical research at El Kowm documented the cultivation of Emmer and hard wheat varieties, indicating early agricultural practices in the Fertile Crescent.

Location: Homs Governorate

Inception: 7000 BCE

Made from material: flint

GPS coordinates: 35.15000,38.81667

Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15