Part 3/17:
Around 12,000 years ago, the Neolithic period marked a pivotal shift: humans began settling in permanent villages, cultivating crops, and raising livestock. This shift prompted more durable housing. The discovery of mudbrick construction became revolutionary. Archaeological sites like Jericho and Çatalhöyük reveal homes built from sun-dried mud bricks, often painted and decorated, indicating a sense of identity and pride in domestic spaces. Notably, Çatalhöyük’s interconnected houses lacked streets, with access via rooftops and ladders—a design that optimized safety and insulation.