ISTANBUL, Turkey, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- An archaeological excavation has uncovered human bones from the Neolithic period in a district of Istanbul in Turkey, local media reported.

The 8,500-year-old remains were unearthed in a dig directed by the Istanbul Archaeology Museum about 150 feet from the coast at the site of a Neolithic village, local newspaper Radikal reported Thursday.


Along with the human bones, scientists found cesspools and house foundations, together with personal belongings like needles and spoons.

Large amounts of seashells found during the dig, conducted during the construction of a railway line near Istanbul, are evidence of the consumption of seafood by the most ancient natives of Istanbul during the Neolithic period, archaeologists said.

The shells may also have been used as cutting and piercing tools, they said.