Überblick
Anthropological investigations of the skeletons found within the settlement of Shir started in 2009. Unfortunately, only a part of the excavated collection could be investigated, further work was stopped because of the start of the war.
The Neolithic settlement of Shir is located 12 km northwest of Hama, in western Syria. It dates to 7000 6200/6100 BC (calibrated data), representing the early Late Neolithic period, and is situated on top of a terrace, near the river Orontes. Fertile soils, permanent access to water and mild temperatures made this area a good place for settlement.