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Human Dwellings from Prehistoric Times to the Modern Age
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12
Human Dwellings from Prehistoric Times to the Modern Age
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Neolithic Settlements
Neolithic Culture appeared around 10,000 BC in the Near East. The people who settled there constructed more durable dwellings for themselves. Buildings, first constructed of wattle and daub, later of mud bricks, became larger and safer. The agrarian lifestyle allowed larger groups to live together. Villages were established, providing greater security.
Walls
Houses were built close to each other. There were only small, open windows high up on the walls.
Roof windows
The rooms were accessible through openings on the roofs, covered with wooden ‘doors’.
Structure
Their base area was around 20–30 m2. The small rooms providing housing for a single family had sunken floors, with the hearth in the centre.
Inhabitants
There were no significant social differences between the inhabitants of villages. Village leaders were chosen from wise, respected male members of families.
Production
Agriculture was practised within extended families, at least three generations were working together.
Sanctuary
The spirituality of the people of the age was characterised by the respect and worship of the power of Nature. They believed in influencing events
by performing rituals. Magicians were also respected for their assumed power to heal.
Instruments
Tools
More refined, longer lasting tools appeared, sharpened by grinding, often with a hole drilled through them.
Crafts
The first crafts to appear were pottery and weaving. Crops were stored in pots made of clay or carved stone. Households also used items made of bones, fibres and wicker.
The first settlements
Settlements consisted of several dozen houses, major ‘cities’ of hundreds of them. The appearance of Neolithic settlements was the starting point for urban development.
