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The
Neolithic ditch of Murgia Timone (Matera). The thicker vegetation
makes the ditch visible. On the right the double ring mausoleum
of the Bronze Age is evident.
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Matmata
(Tunisia). Dwelling consisting of a pit courtyard dug out of clayey
soil. The rooms overlooking the courtyard have underground connections
with others of the same kind.
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on the Ethiopian highland. Above, the general view shows the elliptic
ditch like that of the Neolithic villages (see fig. 33). Below,
detail of the ditch whose multipurpose function still now enables
the built-up area to be kept dry and drained, creating a water reservoir
and a sewage collection system for soil fertilisation. |
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Deep
ditches surround the underground monumental complexes of Lalibela.
Their water drainage and harvesting function is proved by the
reservoirs for conserving the precious liquid in the dry seasons.
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Woodhenge
in Great Britain is a prehistoric site characterised by a big
circular wooden house surrounding a central courtyard (figure
above). An explanation of its functions is possible thanks to
a comparison with an Eritrean pastoral settlement (figure on the
right). The latter consists of: a big roof made of trunks (abur)
to shelter the herds; the house (daza); an external fireplace
(ma); a ditch for manure collection (haduf).
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Types
of Neolithic villages. The layout shows the perimeter of the ditches.
The entrances always face east-west. The perimeters are often
open and have a semi-circular shape or ramifications. This proves
their water function rather than a defensive purpose..
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Neolithic
village of Murgia Timone (Matera). Perimeter of the ditch in the
original survey carried out by Domenico Ridola.
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Reconstruction
of the Neolithic village of Köln-Lindenthal (the region of the
Rhine). The village is subdivided into different enclosures and
meanders for breeding and hydro-agricultural purposes.
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Reconstruction of the Neolithic village of Banpo (China).
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