dissertation on prehistoric ar,somanil mishra,soa ips academy

8/7/2019 Dissertation on Prehistoric Ar,SOMANIL MISHRA,SOA IPS Academy

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PREHISTORICPREHISTORIC

Late Mesolithic and Early NeolithicLate Mesolithic and Early NeolithicAr.SOMANIL MISHRAAr.SOMANIL MISHRA

SOA,IPS ACADEMY INDORESOA,IPS ACADEMY INDORE

History of ArchitectureHistory of Architecture ARAR--224224


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INTRODUCTION


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2 types of permanent buildings2 types of permanent buildings SingleSingle--cellcell type, beehive shaped, round or oval in plantype, beehive shaped, round or oval in plan MultiMulti--celledcelled collection of rectangular roomscollection of rectangular rooms

MesolithicMesolithic DwellingsDwellings

Wood sheltersWood shelters built in front of caves on stone pavementsbuilt in front of caves on stone pavements More frequentlyMore frequently round or oval dryround or oval dry--stonestone huts built inhuts built in open settlementsopen settlements nearnear waterwater

sourcessources in the limestone uplandsin the limestone uplands TransitionTransition to houses withto houses with rectangularrectangular rooms mostly took place in this period in mostrooms mostly took place in this period in most

of the regionsof the regions Also transition fromAlso transition from drydry--stonestone huts to houses inhuts to houses in mud and stonemud and stone and finally toand finally to

rectangular houses inrectangular houses in mudmud--brick / taufbrick / tauf(mud + straw)(mud + straw) Development ofDevelopment ofmoulded mudmoulded mud--brickbrick encouraged precision of constructionencouraged precision of construction

SettlementsSettlements Small communitiesSmall communities were composed of singlewere composed of single--roomed houses with flat roofs, built ofroomed houses with flat roofs, built of

mud and stone, with walls and floors buttressed, mudmud and stone, with walls and floors buttressed, mud--plastered internally, andplastered internally, andpainted in variety of earth colourspainted in variety of earth colours

Most villages hadMost villages had contiguous dwellingscontiguous dwellings, but some had narrow alleys and courtyards, but some had narrow alleys and courtyards Mostly dwellings and fortification wallsMostly dwellings and fortification walls, with the exception of Catal Huyuk where, with the exception of Catal Huyuk where

large number of elaborate shrines were foundlarge number of elaborate shrines were found


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NeolithicNeolithic During this period, character of these simple villages changed in four ways:During this period, character of these simple villages changed in four ways:

Improvement inImprovement in construction and planningconstruction and planning multimulti--roomed thinroomed thin--walled houses of mudwalled houses of mud--brickbrick Emergence ofEmergence ofnonnon--residential buildingsresidential buildings for work storage and ritual purposes culminating infor work storage and ritual purposes culminating in

monumental temple architecture of Mesopotamiamonumental temple architecture of Mesopotamia More open form of villageMore open form of village layout including streetslayout including streets MoreMore widespread construction of wallswidespread construction of walls for many purposes including defencefor many purposes including defence

DwellingsDwellings Almost everywhere change from round toAlmost everywhere change from round to rectangularrectangular buildings built of mudbuildings built of mud HousesHouses superimposedsuperimposed one above the otherone above the other -- sometimes rectangular buildings built on top of earliersometimes rectangular buildings built on top of earlier

round dryround dry--stone buildingsstone buildings sometimes rebuilt by each generation, the earlier buildings beingsometimes rebuilt by each generation, the earlier buildings beingabsorbed into settlement moundsabsorbed into settlement mounds

ShrinesShrines and dwellings were planned the same way except that shrines were larger and elaboratelyand dwellings were planned the same way except that shrines were larger and elaboratelydecorateddecorated

Shrines were planned with rooms in sequenceShrines were planned with rooms in sequence StorageStorage buildings often consisted of rectangular rooms on either side of a central corridorbuildings often consisted of rectangular rooms on either side of a central corridor Both storage and shrines tended towards regular and symmetrical layoutsBoth storage and shrines tended towards regular and symmetrical layouts

SettlementsSettlements Number of villages hadNumber of villages had increasedincreased dramatically in many areasdramatically in many areas Trend was for larger townships, many of them fortifiedTrend was for larger townships, many of them fortified There was greatThere was greatregional diversity in layoutregional diversity in layout and formsand forms of domestic buildingsof domestic buildings Simply organized withSimply organized with no palacesno palaces At firstAt firstspecialized buildingsspecialized buildings werewere contiguouscontiguous with dwellings, laterwith dwellings, later free standing,free standing, andand occasionallyoccasionally

(temples and storage blocks)(temples and storage blocks) groupedgrouped around three sides of a courtyardaround three sides of a courtyard


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LevantLevant


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Primarily domestic but shrines, workshops andPrimarily domestic but shrines, workshops andstorage buildings have also been foundstorage buildings have also been found

Flourished until early 6000BCFlourished until early 6000BC

Ain Mallaha, Israel, 9000Ain Mallaha, Israel, 9000--8000BC8000BC

5050 huts with a population of abouthuts with a population of about200200--300300 on anon anopen site (2000mopen site (2000m22) near lake Hulen) near lake Hulen TheThe subterraneansubterranean huts were dug into the terrain to ahuts were dug into the terrain to a

depth of aboutdepth of about1.3m1.3m and the entrances were locatedand the entrances were locatedon the lower sideon the lower side

Most of themMost of them circularcircular fromfrom 33--9m9m in diameterin diameter DryDry--stonestone huts some withhuts some with stone paved floorsstone paved floors Beehive forms were constructed ofBeehive forms were constructed ofreeds or mattingreeds or matting

and were probably supported onand were probably supported on postsposts One had walls finished with lime plaster with redOne had walls finished with lime plaster with red

colourcolour


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Jericho, Israel, 8350Jericho, Israel, 8350--7350BC7350BC Round and ovalRound and oval houses over 4ha of landhouses over 4ha of land About About5m5m in diameter,in diameter, mud brickmud brick constructionconstruction Bricks supported domedBricks supported domed superstructure of branches covered with claysuperstructure of branches covered with clay

Jericho, Israel, 7350BCJericho, Israel, 7350BC FortifiedFortified townshiptownship encircled by stone wall 3m thickencircled by stone wall 3m thick,, 4m4m highhigh 700m in700m incircumferencecircumference

The fortification underwentThe fortification underwentrebuilding storage chambers, watch towersrebuilding storage chambers, watch towers, etc., etc. HousesHouses highly packedhighly packed, seem to have intercommunicated through, seem to have intercommunicated through sreenwalls andsreenwalls and

courtyardscourtyards Some hadSome had stone foundationsstone foundations and some hadand some had upper floors made of timberupper floors made of timber They hadThey had lime plastered floorslime plastered floors Plastered wallsPlastered walls withwith redred paintedpainted dadodado Some walls alsoSome walls also decorateddecorated with geometric patternswith geometric patterns Had solid walls and wide doorways with rounded jambsHad solid walls and wide doorways with rounded jambs


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Mureybet, North Syria, 8640Mureybet, North Syria, 8640--8142BC8142BC Round or ovalRound or oval huts withhuts with red clay wallsred clay walls supporting asupporting a light timber superstructurelight timber superstructure

Mureybet, North Syria, 7954Mureybet, North Syria, 7954--7542BC7542BC RectangularRectangular houses as well ashouses as well as roundround hutshuts Both constructed from softBoth constructed from softlimestonelimestone laid inlaid in clay and pebble mortarclay and pebble mortar

By the end of this period, plan had evolved to includeBy the end of this period, plan had evolved to include multimulti--roomed housesroomed houses,,possiblypossibly with access through roofswith access through roofs Wall painting in one of the houses foundWall painting in one of the houses found

Cayonu, North Syria, 7500Cayonu, North Syria, 7500--6800BC6800BC The lowest level containedThe lowest level contained rectangular stone buildings 5x10mrectangular stone buildings 5x10m in areain area

AA multimulti--room buildingroom building with a hall and a square room with 2 flanking rows of 3 cubicleswith a hall and a square room with 2 flanking rows of 3 cubicles Plastered floorsPlastered floors Grid like foundationGrid like foundation that may have supportedthat may have supported timber floortimber floor

The top levelsThe top levels WorkshopWorkshop measuringmeasuring 5x8m5x8m made up ofmade up of6/7 small cubicles6/7 small cubicles

First mud buildingsFirst mud buildings simplesimple square or rectangularsquare or rectangular oneone--roomedroomed houses abouthouses about5x9m5x9m Flat roofedFlat roofed

Doors with carved jambs located at narrow endDoors with carved jambs located at narrow end


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Beidha, Southern Jordon, 7000Beidha, Southern Jordon, 7000--6000BC6000BC InitiallyInitially

WereWere curvilinearcurvilinear They wereThey were semisemi--subterraneansubterranean up toup to 4m4m inin

diameterdiameter Dwellings and storeroomsDwellings and storerooms werewere groupedgrouped in clustersin clusters

withinwithin walled courtyardswalled courtyards Whole village was surrounded by stone wallWhole village was surrounded by stone wall

Free standingFree standing polygonalpolygonal houses with roundedhouses with roundedcornerscorners

Followed byFollowed by rectangular stonerectangular stone houseshouses FinallyFinally clusters of stoneclusters of stone--built houses andbuilt houses and

workshopsworkshops Each house had one room measuring 7x9mEach house had one room measuring 7x9m Floors and walls of white burnished plasterFloors and walls of white burnished plaster

decorated with a red stripe at floor leveldecorated with a red stripe at floor level Outside was LOutside was L--shaped walled courtyard each hadshaped walled courtyard each had

several workshops about 8m long clusteredseveral workshops about 8m long clusteredtogethertogether


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Khirokitia, Cyprus, 5650BCKhirokitia, Cyprus, 5650BC About aAbout a 10001000 houses approached byhouses approached by

stonestone--paved roadpaved road

Some hadSome had outbuildingsoutbuildings for storage,for storage,grinding corn, cooking, and workshopsgrinding corn, cooking, and workshops Most houses had wallMost houses had wall courtyardscourtyards BuiltBuiltroundround houseshouses 33--8m8m in diameterin diameter Lower part of the walls made of localLower part of the walls made of local

limestonelimestone

Domed superstructure ofDomed superstructure ofmudmud--brickbrick Some houses hadSome houses had double wallsdouble walls, the outer, the outer

wall acting as retaining wallwall acting as retaining wall Some had lofts supported onSome had lofts supported on stone pillarsstone pillars


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Shrine atJericho, 7000BCShrine atJericho, 7000BC A small room with a niche in which was placedA small room with a niche in which was placed

a standing stone may have been a cult rooma standing stone may have been a cult room Another had a portico which led to a vestibuleAnother had a portico which led to a vestibule

and inner chamber containing a pair of stoneand inner chamber containing a pair of stonepillars symmetrically placed about the axis ofpillars symmetrically placed about the axis ofentryentry

Shrine at Cayonu, 7000BCShrine at Cayonu, 7000BC Shrine like building 9x10m with internallyShrine like building 9x10m with internally

buttresses stone wallsbuttresses stone walls Floor was paved with pink pebbles set in redFloor was paved with pink pebbles set in red

oxideoxide


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AnatoliaAnatolia


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The dwellings displayed a degree of standardizationThe dwellings displayed a degree of standardization

Inhabitants seem to have taken part in highly organized ritualsInhabitants seem to have taken part in highly organized rituals

Later in the period, many settlements were heavily fortifiedLater in the period, many settlements were heavily fortified

Hacilar, 7500Hacilar, 7500--6000BC6000BC

DwellingsDwellings closely packedclosely packed withwith access by the way of roofsaccess by the way of roofs

Built of Built ofmud bricks on stone foundationsmud bricks on stone foundations

Appear to beAppear to be multimulti--roomed, plastered internallyroomed, plastered internally

Painted in cream and red bandsPainted in cream and red bands

Later in the period,Later in the period, substantial rectangular mud brick housessubstantial rectangular mud brick houses were builtwere built10x4m10x4m

WallsWalls overover 1m1m thickthick

DoorsDoors were normally in thewere normally in the centre of long sidescentre of long sides, timber thresholds and jambs, timber thresholds and jambs CupboardsCupboards were let into the wallswere let into the walls

Light Light--weightweightpartitionpartition ofofsticks + plastersticks + plaster screened off thescreened off the storagestorage areaarea

Ceilings of stout timber beams were supported on a pair of center postsCeilings of stout timber beams were supported on a pair of center posts

The posts may have carried upper storey of wood and plaster consisting of aThe posts may have carried upper storey of wood and plaster consisting of averandah and a row of small roomsverandah and a row of small rooms


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In its final stages 5400In its final stages 5400--5000BC5000BC The settlement wasThe settlement was fortified with stone wallfortified with stone wall, area about, area about

2450sqm2450sqm Consisted of houses, a granary, a guard house, pottersConsisted of houses, a granary, a guard house, potters

workshops and shrinesworkshops and shrines

It wasIt was heavily fortifiedheavily fortified, the, the central courtyardcentral courtyard was ringed bywas ringed byblocks of 2blocks of 2--storey houses, with roof accessstorey houses, with roof access, and separated from, and separated fromeach other byeach other by small fenced yardssmall fenced yards


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Can Hasan, 7500Can Hasan, 7500--6000BC6000BC

Closely packed and square or rectangular inClosely packed and square or rectangular inplanplan

Later buildings (4950BC) were thick walledLater buildings (4950BC) were thick walledand built of mud brick reinforced with timberand built of mud brick reinforced with timber

Some houses had lightweight upper storeysSome houses had lightweight upper storeys


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Catal Huyuk, 6250Catal Huyuk, 6250--5400BC5400BC Extended over 13 acres supported a population of 4000Extended over 13 acres supported a population of 4000--6000 people6000 people Mainly rectangular single roomed houses each about 25sqmMainly rectangular single roomed houses each about 25sqm Plastered walls and floorsPlastered walls and floors Densely packed and contiguous with occasional open courtyardsDensely packed and contiguous with occasional open courtyards Each house had its own wallsEach house had its own walls

Floors were covered with straw mats and walls decorated with simple geometric designsFloors were covered with straw mats and walls decorated with simple geometric designs Access was by a ladder from the roofAccess was by a ladder from the roof

Appears to have been unfortifiedAppears to have been unfortified Dense package of dwellings without streetsDense package of dwellings without streets Residents gained access to the dwellings across roofsResidents gained access to the dwellings across roofs High openings in the walls were for ventilationHigh openings in the walls were for ventilation MudMud--brick walls and a postbrick walls and a post--andand--lintel timber framework enclosed rectangular spaces thatlintel timber framework enclosed rectangular spaces that

abutted the neighboring houses so that together they established the perimeter town wallabutted the neighboring houses so that together they established the perimeter town wall With the houses were windowless shrines containing decorative motifs of bulls and cultWith the houses were windowless shrines containing decorative motifs of bulls and cult

statuettes of deitiesstatuettes of deities


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Fortress of Mersin, 4500Fortress of Mersin, 4500--4200BC4200BC Gateway with projecting towersGateway with projecting towers Quarters surrounded a central open courtyardQuarters surrounded a central open courtyard Had flat roofsHad flat roofs BarrackBarrack--like rooms which abutted the defensive wallslike rooms which abutted the defensive walls

at the rearat the rear Small walled yards in the frontSmall walled yards in the front Originally intercommunicating but later selfOriginally intercommunicating but later self--containedcontained

Had slit windowsHad slit windows Contained grindstones, mud platforms, and hearthsContained grindstones, mud platforms, and hearths To the right of the main gate was a larger and moreTo the right of the main gate was a larger and more

elaborate house for the commander of the garrisonelaborate house for the commander of the garrison


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Shrine at Catal Huyuk, 6250Shrine at Catal Huyuk, 6250--54005400

Richly furnished and decorated buildingsRichly furnished and decorated buildings

Laid out in the same way as the residencesLaid out in the same way as the residences

Intermingled with themIntermingled with them

But decorated with engravings paintings and reliefsBut decorated with engravings paintings and reliefs

Shrine at Hacilar, 5400BCShrine at Hacilar, 5400BC

Usually simple square rooms with niches containingUsually simple square rooms with niches containingstanding stonesstanding stones

One was planned with a porch and anteroomOne was planned with a porch and anteroom

Shrines were decorated with geometric wall patternsShrines were decorated with geometric wall patterns


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ZagrosZagros


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This region did not produce shrines although large multi room dwellings were foundThis region did not produce shrines although large multi room dwellings were found Ali Kosh, 8000Ali Kosh, 8000--65006500

Plain small single storey thin walled houses of rectangular planPlain small single storey thin walled houses of rectangular plan Clay bricks 250x150x100Clay bricks 250x150x100 Larger multiLarger multi--room came later which had rooms up to 3x3m made of clay slabsroom came later which had rooms up to 3x3m made of clay slabs

400x250x100. There were open courtyards and alleys separated the houses400x250x100. There were open courtyards and alleys separated the houses

Ganjdareh, 7289Ganjdareh, 7289--7000BC7000BC Mud bricksMud bricks Houses made up of small rectangular rooms, close packed with roof accessHouses made up of small rectangular rooms, close packed with roof access Roofs made of beams supporting reeds daubed with clayRoofs made of beams supporting reeds daubed with clay Walls and floors finished internally with mud plasterWalls and floors finished internally with mud plaster

Tepe Guran, 6500Tepe Guran, 6500--5500BC5500BC Began as a winter campBegan as a winter camp Wooden huts with 2 or 3 small roomsWooden huts with 2 or 3 small rooms

Later (6200BC) similar houses in mudLater (6200BC) similar houses in mud--brick and contained builtbrick and contained built--in mud benches and tablesin mud benches and tables Floors and walls with red or white plasterFloors and walls with red or white plaster Courtyards with terrazo with white felspar chippings set in red clayCourtyards with terrazo with white felspar chippings set in red clay


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Jarmo, 6000Jarmo, 6000--5000BC5000BC In the mountains, made up of 20In the mountains, made up of 20--30 small rectangular mud30 small rectangular mud

houseshouses

Population of about 150Population of about 150

Each house had an open courtyard measuring roughly 3x4mEach house had an open courtyard measuring roughly 3x4m Comprised of several rooms packed into a space of 5x6mComprised of several rooms packed into a space of 5x6m

TalTal--ii--Iblis, 4000BCIblis, 4000BC Built with thick walled heavily buttressed storerooms grouped atBuilt with thick walled heavily buttressed storerooms grouped at

the centre and surrounded by larger living rooms with redthe centre and surrounded by larger living rooms with red

plaster floorsplaster floors One of the houses had an elaborate arch and contained infantOne of the houses had an elaborate arch and contained infant

burialsburials


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Transcaspian andTranscaspian andTranscaucasian RegionsTranscaucasian Regions


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These regions produced standardised oneThese regions produced standardised one--roomed houses and larger shrineroomed houses and larger shrinelike buildings decorated with wall paintingslike buildings decorated with wall paintings

Variety of village layoutsVariety of village layouts open, irregular free standing groups, contiguousopen, irregular free standing groups, contiguous(each with a shrine and separated from others by street(each with a shrine and separated from others by street--like spaces) andlike spaces) andfinally to walled settlements containing blocks of dwellings and shrinesfinally to walled settlements containing blocks of dwellings and shrines

Djeitun, 5600BCDjeitun, 5600BC Built with mud and sunBuilt with mud and sun--dried bricks tempered with strawdried bricks tempered with straw 30 households, population about 15030 households, population about 150 Rectangular in plan each with one room about 5x6mRectangular in plan each with one room about 5x6m Some houses had plain interiors with a hearth located centrally on one wall whileSome houses had plain interiors with a hearth located centrally on one wall while

others were more elaborateothers were more elaborate Walls were coated with mud plaster, occasionally painted red and blackWalls were coated with mud plaster, occasionally painted red and black Each house had a courtyard and outbuilding sometimes shared with a neighbourEach house had a courtyard and outbuilding sometimes shared with a neighbour

In the open space of the village were timber grain drying platforms supported onIn the open space of the village were timber grain drying platforms supported onparallel mudparallel mud--brick wallsbrick walls


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Hajji Fruz, 5319Hajji Fruz, 5319--4959BC4959BC Open village of single room detached houses separated by lanes andOpen village of single room detached houses separated by lanes and

courtyardscourtyards Made of mudMade of mud--brick and mortarbrick and mortar Had outbuildingsHad outbuildings

Houses were 6.5x4mHouses were 6.5x4m Internal mudInternal mud--brick buttresses and wooden posts supported a roof ofbrick buttresses and wooden posts supported a roof of

beams reeds and claybeams reeds and clay Roof may have been pitchedRoof may have been pitched

Chakmakli Depe, 5000BCChakmakli Depe, 5000BC Divided by a lane into 2 groupsDivided by a lane into 2 groups

Houses made of large mud bricks 500x200x100Houses made of large mud bricks 500x200x100 Had 2 rooms, small kitchen and larger living room in sequenceHad 2 rooms, small kitchen and larger living room in sequence In each group, one dwelling had red floors and walls which may haveIn each group, one dwelling had red floors and walls which may have

served as a shrineserved as a shrine


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Dashliji Depe, 5000BCDashliji Depe, 5000BC Fortified settlement 45x38mFortified settlement 45x38m In which stood small mud brick houses like those inIn which stood small mud brick houses like those in

Djeitun and a larger shrine like structureDjeitun and a larger shrine like structure

Yalangach Depe, 4500BCYalangach Depe, 4500BC Enclosed by a massive defensive wall with roundEnclosed by a massive defensive wall with round

towerstowers In NIn N--E corner of the township houses are arrangedE corner of the township houses are arranged

around a central larger space possibly a shrinearound a central larger space possibly a shrine

Mullali DepeMullali Depe Also walled and have round towers and a shrine atAlso walled and have round towers and a shrine at

the centerthe center


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Imiris Gora, Tanscaucasia, 4660Imiris Gora, Tanscaucasia, 4660--3955BC3955BC The village had an estimated population ofThe village had an estimated population of

200200--250250

Many wereMany were semisemi--subterraneansubterranean Several houses hadSeveral houses had keyhole shaped planskeyhole shaped plans

withwith internal buttressesinternal buttresses to take the thrustto take the thrustwhere domes abuttedwhere domes abutted

Some hasSome has outhouses arranged aroundouthouses arranged aroundcourtyardscourtyards

WereWere roundround or ovalor oval 33--4.5m4.5m in diameterin diameter

Built ofBuilt ofmudmud--brick on stone foundationsbrick on stone foundations

LaterLater 22--roomedroomed houses evolved withhouses evolved withbuttressedbuttressed walls andwalls and flatflatroofs supported onroofs supported ontimber poststimber posts


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Shrine at Djeitun, 5600BCShrine at Djeitun, 5600BC Similar in layout but twice the sizeSimilar in layout but twice the size

Shrine at PessejikShrine at Pessejik Similar to that at DjeitunSimilar to that at Djeitun Floors and walls decorated with paintings of animals and geometricFloors and walls decorated with paintings of animals and geometric

motifsmotifs Shrine at Yasa Depe, 5000BCShrine at Yasa Depe, 5000BC

Was larger than others and had 2 roomsWas larger than others and had 2 rooms The outer room was decorated with wall paintings and contained aThe outer room was decorated with wall paintings and contained a

ritual hearthritual hearth The inner room had colonnades of wooden pillars on the flank wallsThe inner room had colonnades of wooden pillars on the flank walls

The doorway os opposite the alter which was decorated with geometricThe doorway os opposite the alter which was decorated with geometricwall paintings in brown red and whitewall paintings in brown red and white

Shrine at Dashliji Depe, 5000BCShrine at Dashliji Depe, 5000BC Was also painted in black and redWas also painted in black and red


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MesopotamiaMesopotamia


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In this region there was a succession of culturesIn this region there was a succession of cultures Hassuna, Samarra, Halaf, Eridu and UbaidHassuna, Samarra, Halaf, Eridu and Ubaid

An earlier occupation in the region of UmmAn earlier occupation in the region of UmmDabaghiya which predated all of theseDabaghiya which predated all of these

Mud brick dwellings of Hassuna and SamarraMud brick dwellings of Hassuna and Samarrawere large rectangular with many roomswere large rectangular with many rooms

Those of Halaf period reverted to tholos likeThose of Halaf period reverted to tholos likedesigndesign

Settlements of Eridu and Ubaid periods are inSettlements of Eridu and Ubaid periods are inthe lines of development of monumental templethe lines of development of monumental templearchitecture of Sumerian dynastiesarchitecture of Sumerian dynasties


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Umm Dabaghiya, Mesopotamia, 5500BCUmm Dabaghiya, Mesopotamia, 5500BC PrePre--Hassuna mound 100x85m high in northern plains of IraqHassuna mound 100x85m high in northern plains of Iraq Occupation passed through evolutionary stages of small oval temporary sheltersOccupation passed through evolutionary stages of small oval temporary shelters

and storage pits, taufand storage pits, tauf--built houses, houses and storage blocks arranged aroundbuilt houses, houses and storage blocks arranged aroundcentral courtyards, and finally uncentral courtyards, and finally un--plastered storage cubicles with roof accessplastered storage cubicles with roof accesslinked internally by corridorslinked internally by corridors

Domestic architecture was exceptionally neatDomestic architecture was exceptionally neat Oriented north southOriented north south Closely packedClosely packed Each had living room, kitchen, and 1 or 2 more rooms, 1.2Each had living room, kitchen, and 1 or 2 more rooms, 1.2--2sqm2sqm Square, constructed in tauf without stone foundationsSquare, constructed in tauf without stone foundations Walls buttressed internally, some houses had access from the roofWalls buttressed internally, some houses had access from the roof Usually 1 room was divided by an arch, one of the earliest uses of this form ofUsually 1 room was divided by an arch, one of the earliest uses of this form of

constructionconstruction

Houses decorated with plaster and red paint and wall paintings in black yellow and redHouses decorated with plaster and red paint and wall paintings in black yellow and redshowing hunting scenesshowing hunting scenes At a later stage storage blocks were built around UAt a later stage storage blocks were built around U--shaped courtyardsshaped courtyards Buildings were single storey with roofs of braches and reeds covered in plaster andBuildings were single storey with roofs of braches and reeds covered in plaster and

furnished with trapdoorsfurnished with trapdoors Small scale construction may be due to lack of timber locallySmall scale construction may be due to lack of timber locally


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Tell Hassuna, 5500Tell Hassuna, 5500--5000BC5000BC 200X150m200X150m

Round structures 2.5Round structures 2.5--6m across and rectangular dwellings6m across and rectangular dwellings10x2.5m in plan were found together in the lowest levels10x2.5m in plan were found together in the lowest levels

More recent levels had larger and more sophisticated buildingsMore recent levels had larger and more sophisticated buildingsin which passages and courtyards finished with gypsum plasterin which passages and courtyards finished with gypsum plaster

Separate large single storey multiSeparate large single storey multi--room houses with flat roofsroom houses with flat roofsand internal courtyardsand internal courtyards

Yarim TepeYarim Tepe

Dated Hassuna periodDated Hassuna period 6060--70 houses with population of about 40070 houses with population of about 400

Mud brick houses were uniform in shape size and character andMud brick houses were uniform in shape size and character anduniform arranged in parallel rowsuniform arranged in parallel rows


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TellTell--eses--Sawwan, 5600Sawwan, 5600--5300BC5300BC 220x110m220x110m Farming village of several hundred peopleFarming village of several hundred people Character differed from villages of similar date in thatCharacter differed from villages of similar date in that

had stone foundationshad stone foundations Uniform in sizeUniform in size Constructed of moulded mud bricksConstructed of moulded mud bricks Walls and floors coated in mud plasterWalls and floors coated in mud plaster

Externally buttressed to take beams supporting roofExternally buttressed to take beams supporting roofof reeds and clayof reeds and clay Roof of reed an clayRoof of reed an clay Village surrounded by ditch cut into the bedrockVillage surrounded by ditch cut into the bedrock


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Choga Mami, 5500BCChoga Mami, 5500BC Enclosed by buttressed wallsEnclosed by buttressed walls Houses were rectangular and multiHouses were rectangular and multi--cellularcellular For eg., one of them had 12 rooms packed into an area of 9x7mFor eg., one of them had 12 rooms packed into an area of 9x7m Construction similar to that of TellConstruction similar to that of Tell--eses--SawwanSawwan

Arpachiya, Mesopotamian lowlands, 5000BCArpachiya, Mesopotamian lowlands, 5000BC Beehive shaped housesBeehive shaped houses Dwellings wereDwellings were keyhole shapedkeyhole shaped in plan.in plan. RectangularRectangular anterooms were up toanterooms were up to 19m19m

long andlong and domeddomed chamber up tochamber up to 10m10m acrossacross Walls up toWalls up to 2m2m thickthick Walls were ofWalls were ofplastered tauf, occasionally paintedplastered tauf, occasionally painted redred

AlUbaid, 4500AlUbaid, 4500--4200BC4200BC Consisted of dwellings with flat roofs and walls formed of reed mats suspendedConsisted of dwellings with flat roofs and walls formed of reed mats suspended

between palm stems and plastered with mudbetween palm stems and plastered with mud Some houses with roofs formed by bending bundles of reeds to form archesSome houses with roofs formed by bending bundles of reeds to form arches


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Shrine at TellShrine at Tell--eses--Sawwan, 5300BCSawwan, 5300BC

A large TA large T--shaped building with 14 rooms wereshaped building with 14 rooms werediscovered immediately overlying a cemeterydiscovered immediately overlying a cemetery

May have been a small oneMay have been a small one


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Most striking monuments of Neolithic period in the Near East were the temples ofMost striking monuments of Neolithic period in the Near East were the temples ofUbaidUbaid Rectangular mudRectangular mud--block buildings erected on platforms of clay or imported stonesblock buildings erected on platforms of clay or imported stones

forerunners of Sumerian zigguratsforerunners of Sumerian ziggurats Central rectangular chamber flanked on both sides by smaller cellsCentral rectangular chamber flanked on both sides by smaller cells A flight of stair led to a door on the long side of a room about 10mts long with broadA flight of stair led to a door on the long side of a room about 10mts long with broad

platform on one side and an alter/table on the otherplatform on one side and an alter/table on the other

Ladders in smaller rooms occasionally gave access to upper floors / roofsLadders in smaller rooms occasionally gave access to upper floors / roofs Late temples had friezes decorated with coloured ceramic cones and bitumenLate temples had friezes decorated with coloured ceramic cones and bitumen

Shrine at Tepe Gawra, 3600BCShrine at Tepe Gawra, 3600BC Sequence in temple buildingSequence in temple building Round building 18m in diameter containing 17 rooms within its outer wallsRound building 18m in diameter containing 17 rooms within its outer walls Outer walls were over 1m thickOuter walls were over 1m thick Possibly used for rituals in local traditionPossibly used for rituals in local tradition

This temple existed alongside those of the UbaidThis temple existed alongside those of the Ubaid A group of 3 temples around a large courtyard onto which other minor buildings facedA group of 3 temples around a large courtyard onto which other minor buildings faced Similar to that of Eridu but lacked ritual objectsSimilar to that of Eridu but lacked ritual objects

Later, temples had rectangular sanctuaries and were entered through open porticoesLater, temples had rectangular sanctuaries and were entered through open porticoesusually with 2 lateral chambers on either sideusually with 2 lateral chambers on either side


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EuropeEurope


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Megalithic Tomb, ErMegalithic Tomb, Er--Mane, Carnac, Brittany, France, 4200BCMane, Carnac, Brittany, France, 4200BC Before 4000BC, chambered tombs of dryBefore 4000BC, chambered tombs of dry--wall masonry with corbelled roofswall masonry with corbelled roofs

Newgrange passage grave, County Meath, Ireland, 3100BCNewgrange passage grave, County Meath, Ireland, 3100BC Tombs were an expression of reverence for ancestorsTombs were an expression of reverence for ancestors A means of establishing claims to landA means of establishing claims to land This grave located on the crest of the hillThis grave located on the crest of the hill An earthen mound 300 diameter and 36 highAn earthen mound 300 diameter and 36 high Weight of the soil providing stability for the magaliths belowWeight of the soil providing stability for the magaliths below Decorated boulders surround the perimeter of the moundDecorated boulders surround the perimeter of the mound Tomb approached by long passage of upright stonesTomb approached by long passage of upright stones Passage 62 from south sloped upward covered by stone lintels terminating in 20 high chamberPassage 62 from south sloped upward covered by stone lintels terminating in 20 high chamber

Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, southwestern EnglandStonehenge, Salisbury Plain, southwestern England Distinct building phases can be observedDistinct building phases can be observed 11ststphase around 2900BCphase around 2900BC

2 concentric circular ditches2 concentric circular ditches Inside the perimeter 56 evenly spaced holes (Aubrey holes) dug and filled with chalkInside the perimeter 56 evenly spaced holes (Aubrey holes) dug and filled with chalk Pointed upright stone heel stone located axially outside the perimeterPointed upright stone heel stone located axially outside the perimeter

22ndnd

phase around 2400BCphase around 2400BC 82 coffin82 coffin--sized stones of greysized stones of grey--blue dolerite erected in double ring of 38 pairs and 6 stones defining the Nblue dolerite erected in double ring of 38 pairs and 6 stones defining the N--E approach axisE approach axis At some point these stones were removed, referred to as O and R holesAt some point these stones were removed, referred to as O and R holes

33rdrd phasephase 35 lintels35 lintels 40 sarcen (a form of sandstone) stones40 sarcen (a form of sandstone) stones These were erected in a circle of 30 uprights enclosing 5 trilithons (2 uprights capped by a single lintel) arranged in UThese were erected in a circle of 30 uprights enclosing 5 trilithons (2 uprights capped by a single lintel) arranged in U--

shape to focus on the avenueshape to focus on the avenue


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EgyptEgypt Transition to rectangular mudTransition to rectangular mud--built town houses took place in 3400BCbuilt town houses took place in 3400BC These were constructed on wattle and daub occasionally on rough stone foundationsThese were constructed on wattle and daub occasionally on rough stone foundations Houses were twoHouses were two--roomed with walled open courts adjoining the streetsroomed with walled open courts adjoining the streets Graves became increasingly elaborateGraves became increasingly elaborate

ElEl--Badari, Egypt (3200BC)Badari, Egypt (3200BC) ResidenceResidence

Had 2 rooms, facing open walled courtyardsHad 2 rooms, facing open walled courtyards Larger inner living rooms about 2m squareLarger inner living rooms about 2m square Mud structure, roof of thatch and mudMud structure, roof of thatch and mud

Cemetery at BadariCemetery at Badari Several hundred grouped in dense clustersSeveral hundred grouped in dense clusters No superstructure to mark the grave surviveNo superstructure to mark the grave survive

Cemetery at NaqadaCemetery at Naqada More elaborateMore elaborate

Walls of graves strengthened by sticks and matting or wood panelled chambers were constructedWalls of graves strengthened by sticks and matting or wood panelled chambers were constructed Some chambers had upper compartments designed to carry grave goodsSome chambers had upper compartments designed to carry grave goods Both types roofed with mudBoth types roofed with mud--plastered sticks and matting or planksplastered sticks and matting or planks One of the tombs had stone superstructure in the form of 4One of the tombs had stone superstructure in the form of 4--tiered stepped pyramid on a square basetiered stepped pyramid on a square base

20mx20m20mx20m Stones undressed, roughly coursed and beneath the pyramid a pit is dugStones undressed, roughly coursed and beneath the pyramid a pit is dug


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Merimde, Lower Egypt, 4500BCMerimde, Lower Egypt, 4500BC Village of hutsVillage of huts oval or horseshoeoval or horseshoe in planin plan 55--6m6m acrossacross Constructed from a framework ofConstructed from a framework ofpostsposts and covered withand covered with reed mattingreed matting HutsHuts aligned in rowsaligned in rows

Some of them may have hadSome of them may have had fenced yardsfenced yards Hammamiya, Upper Egypt, 4000BCHammamiya, Upper Egypt, 4000BC

Consists of a number of hutConsists of a number of hutcirclescircles Included storage and living rooms up toIncluded storage and living rooms up to 2m2m diameterdiameter SunkSunk into the ground to a depth of aboutinto the ground to a depth of about1m1m

dissertation on prehistoric ar,somanil mishra,soa ips academy

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