The history of architecture is vast and spans thousands of years, but when we refer to the
"first architecture," we typically look at the earliest forms of constructed shelters and
buildings created by humans. Here are some key points about the earliest architecture:
Prehistoric Architecture
1. Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)
• Shelters and Caves: The earliest form of human habitation was in natural shelters such as
caves. Some of these caves, like those found in Lascaux, France, also contain remarkable
cave paintings.
• Temporary Structures: Early humans also built temporary structures from available
materials like wood, bones, and animal hides. These structures were often simple and
designed for mobility.
2. Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)
• Permanent Settlements: With the advent of agriculture, humans began to settle in one place,
leading to the construction of more permanent dwellings.
• Mud-Brick Houses: In places like Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey, people built houses
from mud bricks. These houses were typically rectangular and featured flat roofs.
• Megalithic Structures: The Neolithic period also saw the construction of large stone
structures, known as megaliths. Examples include:
◦ Dolmens: Single-chamber megalithic tombs, consisting of upright stones supporting a flat
horizontal stone.
◦ Menhirs: Large upright standing stones.
◦ Stone Circles: Arrangements of standing stones, the most famous of which is Stonehenge in
England.
Ancient Architecture
1. Mesopotamian Architecture
• Ziggurats: Massive terraced structures that served as temples in ancient Sumer, Akkad, and
Babylon. The Ziggurat of Ur is a notable example.
• City Planning: Early cities like Uruk featured organized layouts with residential,
commercial, and religious areas.
2. Egyptian Architecture
• Pyramids: The most iconic structures of ancient Egypt, built as tombs for pharaohs. The
Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous.
• Temples: Large monumental buildings dedicated to gods, such as the Temple of Karnak.
3. Indus Valley Civilization
• Urban Planning: The cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro featured advanced urban
planning, with grid layouts, drainage systems, and standardized bricks.
• Public Buildings: Structures such as the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro suggest sophisticated
civil engineering and communal facilities.
Key Characteristics of Early Architecture
• Materials: Early architecture primarily used locally available materials such as stone, mud,
wood, and reeds.
• Functionality: Structures were built for basic needs like shelter, religious practices, and
community gatherings.
• Symbolism: Many early structures had symbolic and ceremonial purposes, reflecting the
beliefs and social structures of their builders.
Summary
The first architecture was characterized by the use of natural and locally available materials, a
focus on functionality and community, and the emergence of symbolic and ceremonial
structures. From simple shelters to complex urban planning and monumental buildings, these
early architectural achievements laid the foundation for the diverse and sophisticated
architectural styles that would follow in later civilizations.
