Ways In, Ways Out: A Preliminary Study of Neolithic Wall and Roof Openings

Abstract

This contribution presents a preliminary study of doorways, gates, crawl holes, window-like openings, windows, air vents, hatchways and skylights recorded in Neolithic structures in Southwest Asia; especially focussing on the PPNA and PPNB in Upper Mesopotamia and the Southern Levant. How did Neolithic builders design the access points to interior spaces? What may have been the purpose of the different concepts and how do the various cases differ from each other?