History of Architecture: Prehistoric Period

The study of how people have built beautiful structures throughout history, tracing the evolution and decline of different architectural styles.

The defining characteristic of a specific architectural period, reflecting the artistic and cultural values of that time.

Architecture is not just about building but about harmonizing the purpose of a structure with its beauty, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Buildings that focus solely on strength and practicality, prioritizing function over aesthetics, are considered engineering.

Architecture is the most useful of the fine arts because it touches our lives in various ways, from providing shelter to spaces for worship, entertainment, and work.

Architecture, as a reflection of society, reveals the cultural advancements and values of a civilization.

Certain periods in history are characterized by distinct architectural styles, each marked by unique design elements and principles.

Style refers to the distinct character and design elements that define an architectural period, conveying a particular mood or feeling.

The evolution and progression of architectural styles is closely linked to the development of civilizations and their associated intellectual, moral, social, religious, and political conditions.

Each architectural style is born from a fundamental principle rooted in the civilization it arises from. This principle evolves and develops until it reaches its peak or exhausts its possibilities, leading to a period of decline.

Decaying styles make way for either a new principle bringing about a new style or the complete demise of the civilization, replaced by a younger one.

The study of architectural styles offers valuable insights into the history of civilizations, as it reflects the societal and cultural factors that shaped them.

Geographical factors like proximity to seas, islands, mountains, deserts, or other features influence an area's architectural characteristics.

Geological conditions, such as the availability of stones, trees, reeds, bamboo, clay, marble, and metals, determine the materials used in construction, thereby shaping the architectural style.

Climate, including prevailing weather conditions, significantly influences the design and structure of buildings, considering factors like heat, cold, rain, and wind.

Religious beliefs and practices have a profound impact on architectural styles, influencing the design of sacred spaces, devotional structures, and religious symbols.

The earliest forms of human shelters, typically caves or natural formations, requiring minimal effort for adaptation.

The period before 9000 BC characterized by nomadic lifestyles focused on hunting and gathering food.

A significant shift in human history marked by the adoption of farming and agriculture, leading to settlements and the domestication of animals.

The development and use of tools, primarily made from stone, wood, and bone, played a pivotal role in human advancement.

The practice of burying the deceased, often with rituals and monuments, indicates early forms of respect for the dead.

The origins of architecture are deeply rooted in the fundamental human need for protection from weather and danger.

Vitruvius, an ancient Roman architect, believed that early humans mimicked nature in their building techniques, starting with basic shelters and progressing to more complex structures.

A basic categorization of early architectural forms, encompassing primitive dwellings, religious structures, and burial grounds.

The way a building's roof is designed to handle snow, depending on the climate. For example, steep roofs are common in snowy areas to prevent snow from accumulating.

The placement and size of windows in a building based on the climate. For example, wide windows in cold climates let light into warmer spaces.

The historical events that influence building styles. For example, wars can lead to the destruction of old buildings and the construction of new ones.

The social and political structures of a people reflected in their architecture. For example, a king's palace might be different from a house in a democracy.

A building system where horizontal beams (lintels) are supported by vertical posts, leaving wide open spaces beneath. Examples: Stonehenge, Parthenon.

A construction method using arched structures to support ceilings and roofs, often found in Roman architecture. Examples: Roman Pantheon, Salisbury Cathedral.

A construction technique where layers of stones are stacked on top of each other to create a structure. Examples: Roman Pont-Saint-Martin bridge, Waldsassen undercroft.

A large artificial mound of earth or stone built over an ancient grave.

Stonehenge is a remarkably accurate solar observatory. Its alignment helps track the sun's movement on Midsummer Day and other celestial events.

It's made up of two main types of stones: large sarsen stones and smaller 'bluestones'.

The largest sarsen stones, weighing 45-50 tons each, were transported from Wales, 200km away.

The arrangement of Stonehenge's stones allows for precise tracking of the sunrise on Midsummer Day.

The stones are arranged to indicate the exact position of the midwinter sunset and the midsummer moonrise.

Some scientists believe that Stonehenge and other similar stone monuments were built as elaborate observatories.

Stonehenge is considered the most impressive and spectacular monolithic monument, defining exterior spaces with its architecture.

A type of Megalithic tomb with a long passage lined by stone slabs leading to a circular chamber often with a corbelled vault.

Early settlements with advanced architectural systems built according to pre-planned designs, suggesting organized societies.

The largest and best-preserved Neolithic village, located in Konya, Turkey. It had rectangular houses without individual streets but packed close together.

A large, ancient hilltop city with stone houses, plaster floors, high walls, and towers. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

A Neolithic village situated in Cyprus with houses made of limestone and having a circular plan.

Buried bodies or cremated remains of the deceased were often placed within these mounds.

During construction, some tumuli were built over already dug graves, with the mound created from available stones and soil.