Prehistoric architecture refers to architectural structures and designs created by early human civilizations before the invention of writing or recording history. Here are some interesting examples of prehistoric architecture from around the world:
Stonehenge (UK): Stonehenge is an iconic prehistoric monument consisting of massive stone circles in Wiltshire, England. It was built between 3000 and 2000 BC. and was probably a ceremonial and astronomical place.
Gobekli Tepe (Turkey): Gobekli Tepe is an archaeological site in southeastern Turkey that dates back to approximately 9600 BC. It consists of several large stone circles and T-shaped pillars arranged in an intricate arrangement that suggests an important religious or ritual purpose.
Çatalhöyük (Turkey): Çatalhöyük is an ancient Neolithic site in central Anatolia, Turkey, dating to about 7500 BC. It is known for its unique architectural layout where the houses are built close together in a tile pattern with access to the roof.
Skara Brae (Scotland): Skara Brae is a very well preserved Neolithic village on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It was inhabited between 3200 and 2200 BC. and consists of stone houses with interconnected corridors and stone furniture.
Chichen Itza (Mexico): Chichen Itza is an impressive Mayan archaeological site on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It includes various structures such as the iconic pyramid of El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ballcourt and the observatory known as El Caracol.
Newgrange (Ireland): Newgrange is a passage tomb located in County Meath, Ireland, built around 3200 BC. It has a large circular mound with an inner passage leading to a central tomb. On the winter solstice, the rising sun sets in the corridor and illuminates the room.
Cueva de las Manos (Argentina): Cueva de las Manos, meaning "Cave of the Hands", is an archaeological site in Patagonia, Argentina. It contains over 9,000-year-old cave paintings of human hands, animals and abstract designs.
Megalithic Temples of Malta: Dating from around 3600-2500 BC, the Megalithic Temples of Malta are some of the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world. These temples, like Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, are characterized by large stone blocks arranged in intricate patterns.
Mound Tombs (Korea): Mound tombs, also known as Dolmens, are megalithic structures found in various regions, including Korea, Europe, and the Middle East. In Korea, they come from the Neolithic and Bronze Age and consist of large stone slabs that form chamber tombs.
Lascaux Cave (France): Located in southwestern France, Lascaux Cave is famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings, estimated to be about 17,000 years old. The walls of the cave present vivid and detailed scenes of animals such as horses, bulls and deer.