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A study published in Science reveals evidence of a matriarchal society in the 9,000-year-old Çatalhöyük city in Turkey. Analysis of 130+ skeletons showed a strong connection between household members through maternal lineage, with women often remaining in their birth homes while men relocated after marriage. Grave goods also favored females. This supports the theory that social identity and possibly property rights were passed down through the female line, challenging traditional assumptions about societal structures.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.