The Neolithic Longhouse

The Neolithic longhouse was a large, rectangular dwelling built by early farming communities around 4000-2500 BCE. Made primarily of wood, wattle, and daub, it housed multiple families and served as a communal living space. These longhouses provided shelter, storage, and social areas, reflecting a shift to settled, organized village life. Their construction shows advances in woodworking and communal effort, and they often featured a central hearth for cooking and warmth. The longhouse is a key symbol of Neolithic innovation, highlighting the importance of community, agriculture, and stable settlements in human history.