File:Swogger.jpeg

Çatalhöyük project illustrator John Swogger created this visualization of the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük during a spring flood. During this season, when all the land around the mound became waterlogged from snow runoff, the place abounded with growing vegetation and wildlife, including migrating birds on their way north. These spring floods no longer happen at Çatalhöyük, since the intensive modern agricultural use of the land, including the use of drainage ditches, has lowered the water table so much it is difficult even for trees to grow.