A recent study led by researchers from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University offers new insights into early Near Eastern architecture, revealing that advanced building techniques emerged during the Natufian period, contrary to traditional narratives that suggest a simple evolution from round to rectangular structures. Using an innovative computational methodology, the researchers analyzed 118 structures across 23 sites dating from the Natufian period (around 15,000 years ago) to the early Neolithic (8,500 years ago). This approach, which quantifies architectural outlines, unveiled a significant architectural diversity and a higher variability in shapes during the Natufian era, indicating that standard building practices had not yet developed. The findings show that right angles, previously thought to be unique to later periods, were present much earlier, reflecting advanced building technology. This research challenges oversimplified interpretations by emphasizing the complexities of architectural evolution and the technological ingenuity of early builders. The study highlights the social changes accompanying the rise of permanent settlements and agriculture while demonstrating the potential of quantitative analysis to uncover architectural trends overlooked in traditional qualitative methods. Overall, it underscores the dynamic nature of early architecture in the Levant and the importance of modern analytical tools in archaeological research.
