Rethinking Early Architecture: Computational Insights into Neolithic Building Practices
A New Perspective on Early Settlements
For decades, archaeologists have described the architectural evolution of early human settlements as a transition from circular to rectangular structures—a shift thought to reflect deeper societal changes. But a new study led by Hadas Goldgeier, Dr. Antoine Muller, and Prof. Leore Grosman from the Hebrew University challenges this simplified narrative. Published in Archaeological Research in Asia1, the research introduces a computational approach that reveals unexpected complexity in the architectural development of Neolithic settlements.
Quantifying Early Architectural Change
Using a novel method, the team digitized and analyzed the outlines of 118 structures from 23 archaeological sites across the Mediterranean and Jordan Valley. These sites span from the Natufian culture (15,000 years ago) to the early Neolithic period (8,500 years ago). Employing computational tools to evaluate geometric features like angles and vector directions, the study provided a precise, quantifiable view of architectural evolution.
“Traditional methods often rely on subjective interpretations of architectural change,” says lead author Hadas Goldgeier. “By applying computational analyses, we can objectively examine variability and identify trends that were previously obscured.”
Findings That Challenge Conventional Narratives
The research overturned several long-held assumptions about early architecture:
Rectangular Shapes in the Natufian Period
Right angles, typically associated with later Neolithic architecture, appeared far earlier than expected. Structures with rectilinear features were present as early as the Natufian period, suggesting that advances in building technology predate the formalization of agricultural societies.Dynamic Variability in Early Architecture
Contrary to the notion of a linear evolution from circular to rectangular designs, the study revealed that variability in building shapes peaked during the Natufian and early Neolithic periods. This reflects a lack of standardized practices during these formative stages of settlement.Emergence of Uniformity in Later Periods
As Neolithic societies became more established, architectural forms exhibited greater uniformity, potentially indicating the development of codified building traditions. This shift coincides with broader societal changes, including the rise of agricultural economies and permanent settlements.
The Social and Technological Context
The variability in early structures likely mirrors a period of experimentation, as communities adapted to new challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles. Circular structures, common in hunter-gatherer contexts, may have been well-suited to small, temporary groups. Rectangular designs, on the other hand, offered advantages for storage, workspace organization, and accommodating growing populations.
“These findings highlight the ingenuity of early builders,” notes Prof. Grosman. “Even before formalized building traditions emerged, these communities were innovating and adapting their designs to meet practical needs.”
The gradual standardization of architectural forms during the Neolithic period may reflect an increasing emphasis on social cohesion, as well as the practical demands of agricultural living. Rectilinear designs allowed for more efficient use of space and facilitated the construction of larger, interconnected structures—key for communal activities and storage.
The Role of Computational Archaeology
The study underscores the transformative potential of computational methods in archaeology. By digitizing and analyzing architectural remains, researchers can uncover patterns that qualitative approaches often miss.
“Our methodology represents a significant step forward in understanding early architecture,” explains Dr. Muller. “It demonstrates how modern analytical tools can enrich our understanding of ancient societies.”
Broader Implications
This research not only reframes the story of early architecture but also provides insights into the social and technological transitions that accompanied the dawn of agriculture. The findings emphasize that architectural innovation was not a simple, linear process but rather a dynamic interplay of experimentation and adaptation.
As computational techniques become more accessible, they offer new opportunities to explore other aspects of early human life—from tool use to urban planning. Such approaches have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of prehistory, illuminating the creativity and resilience of our ancestors.
Related Research
Flannery, K. V. (1972). The origins of the village as a settlement type in Mesoamerica and the Near East: A comparative study. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 38, 42-52. DOI:10.1017/S0079497X00013095
Banning, E. B. (2011). So fair a house: Göbekli Tepe and the identification of temples in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic of the Near East. Current Anthropology, 52(5), 619-660. DOI:10.1086/661207
Verhoeven, M. (2002). Transformations of society: The changing role of ritual and symbolism in the PPNB and early Pottery Neolithic. Paléorient, 28(1), 5-13. DOI:10.3406/paleo.2002.4737
Miroschedji, P. de. (2002). Pre-urban protohistoric settlements in the Near East. Near Eastern Archaeology, 65(4), 230-239. DOI:10.2307/3210874
This additional research highlights evolving settlement patterns, the interplay of ritual and architecture, and the technological advancements shaping Neolithic societies.
Goldgeier, H., Muller, A., & Grosman, L. (2025). A computational perspective on the dynamics of early architecture. Archaeological Research in Asia, 41(100571), 100571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2024.100571