[leedrake5]

The fact that so much of Çatalhöyük remains unexcavated is one of the reasons I am skeptical of so much speculation on its social structure. A palace could be under the vast majority that has yet to experience a trowel or brush. It, and sites like it, are so early that it is helpful - though extremely difficult - to forget the 9,000 years of future you know will happen to be able judge it on its own terms.