Neolithic houses refer to the types of dwellings that were constructed and used during the neolithic period

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From hunting and gathering; to agriculture, and settled communities. The neolithic house varied in design and construction methods. Mostly depending on geographical location, and cultural practices of the people living there at one time. Here are some of the common characteristics of the neolithic house:

Construction materials included locally available materials, such as wood, thatch, stone, clay, mud, or a combination
Choice of materials depended on available resources in the region. Though some, like those close to pyramids, ziggurats, or towers may have shared resources brought from further distances.

Neolithic houses often used stone; had rock foundations and footings
These stones helped to support the walls, provided stability, and protected from things like mice, bugs and pest; and, water/the elements.

Various shapes had been found but in the beginning rectangular and circular were most common
Round ones, known as ’roundhouses’ were popular and usually made of timber and thatch. Others included Tholoi. And, rectangular buildings were popular too. Like in Turkey and the Middle East. And, before the ‘longhouses’ became common around central Europe.

Using sticks and mud. A wattle and daub technique was popular
Wattle consisted of woven sticks or reeds, while daub was a mixture of clay, mud, and straw. Attached or glued to it. This technique was used to create walls that were both strong and insulating.

Often roofs were made, or again thatched with straw, reeds, wood, and other locally available materials
They provided insulation and protection from the elements.

Almost all houses featured a hearth or fire pit
Which was used for cooking, providing warmth and sanitation. Sometimes inside, sometimes outside, and, sometimes both depending on location and the time of year.

To protect and keep temperatures in accordance homes had pits and storage areas
Some Neolithic houses had storage pits or underground storage areas for food and other supplies. These were often dug into the ground and lined with stones or timber.

Entrances were often simple
They could be covered with animal hides, wood, or other materials to keep out drafts, wildlife, pest and unwanted things out.

The neolithic houses played a crucial role in the shift from a nomadic lifestyle; to settled agriculture, and, communities. They provided shelter for families and groups. Offering protection from the elements, while serving as a central hub for various activities. In and amongst others. Including food preparation, craftwork, and social interactions. The neolithic home marked significant steps in the development of humans and society.

Bibliography: Harris, Cyril M.. “Dictionary of architecture and construction, fourth edition.” 2006

Nicholson, Paul T.; Shaw, Ian; Press, Cambridge University (23 March 2000). Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology (https://
books.google.com/books?id=Vj7A9jJrZP0C&q=barry+kemp+wattle+and+daub&pg=PA78). Cambridge University Press.
ISBN 978-0-521-45257-1

Nicholson, Paul T.; Shaw, Ian; Press, Cambridge University (23 March 2000). Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology (https://
books.google.com/books?id=Vj7A9jJrZP0C&q=barry+kemp+wattle+and+daub&pg=PA78). Cambridge University Press.
ISBN 978-0-521-45257-1

Mithen, Steven (2006). After the Ice: A Global Human History, 20,000–5000 BCE (1st Harvard University Press pbk. ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-01999-7.

Gates, Charles (2003). Ancient Cities: The Archaeology of Urban Life in the Ancient Near East and Egypt, Greece and Rome.

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