Abstract:

Our first paleogeographical-geoarchaeological research with core drilling method in and around Daskyleion Mound was carried out between 18 and 24 July 2022 in the summer of 2022. Although it is stated that the first settlement in the ancient city of Daskyleion dates back to the 12th century BC according to some ancient authors, finds that take the ancient city's history back to the Chalcolithic Period were observed during the surveys. The geographical environment of Daskyleion, whose history goes back to such ancient times, has undoubtedly shown significant changes in the course of time. In our studies that we started in order to determine these changes, 12 core drillings were made in the vicinity. Drilling data and general information were evaluated together with our observations and our preliminary results formed the content of this article. Since it is located on the shore of Lake Manyas and close to Karaçay, which forms the outlet of the lake, these water resources have a great impact on the geographical changes that occur around Daskyleion. Especially the changes in the level of Lake Manyas and the changes in the shoreline due to alluvial deposition are of great importance for the ancient city and its inhabitants. The flow characteristics and floods of Karaçay are also important for the ancient city. The determination of these effects and changes in the historical process can be revealed by a detailed examination of the young depositions around Daskyleion to a large extent. For this purpose, the core drillings carried out in young alluvial deposits fillings have provided us with important information. As a result of these studies, it has been determined and interpreted how wide the city of Daskyleion was built on a hill consisting of Neogene (Pliocene) bedrock, the extension of the lake shores during the first settlement period, the changes in the level and shoreline.

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