Examination of Mollusk Shells from Karamattepe excavations at Mount Nif (Olympos) in Izmir

This master's thesis investigates mollusc shells unearthed at the ancient settlement of Karamattepe on Mount Nif, located in İzmir Province. While the primary focus is on Karamattepe, nearby sites such as Ballıcaoluk, Dağkızılca, and Başpınar are also considered for regional context, despite their chronological differences. A total of 1,425 mollusc shell specimens were examined, with analyses focusing on species abundance and their various uses. The study compiles information on the morphological characteristics of the molluscs and their applications. Findings indicate that the communities of Mount Nif utilized these molluscs as food sources and ornamental items. The majority of the molluscs are of marine origin. This research contributes to our understanding of the dietary habits and cultural practices of ancient populations in the region.