Remodeling? Ancient buildings on the world

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  • Posted in Design
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Every time we move from one year to the next, we ask ourselves what will be new, what are the goals we intend to set, both on a personal and professional level. If we are talking about changes, I direct you to the verb remodel, yes, you yourself, have ever remodeled?

The verb remodel comes from the French remodel, which in turn derives from the English to remodel. It is used to describe the action of modifying the model or structure of something, such as a building, a painting or any object that needs to be renovated or restructured. Thousands of years ago the first constructions of mankind appeared, you know some of them? Among these are

1. Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

Photo by Adem Erkoç

It is considered one of the oldest temples in the world, dating between 9500 and 8000 BC. This archaeological style is famous for its huge stone pillars. The circular formations at Göbekli Tepe are highly significant for several reasons:

  1. Ritual and Ceremonial Use: The circular structures, often referred to as enclosures, are believed to have been used for ritualistic and ceremonial purposes.
  2. Architectural Innovation: These formations represent some of the earliest examples of monumental architecture.
  3. Symbolic Meaning: The circular design may have had symbolic significance, possibly representing the cosmos or a spiritual realm.
  4. Cultural Implications: The existence of these circular formations challenges previous assumptions about the development of human societies.

Overall, the circular formations at Göbekli Tepe provide valuable insights into the early development of human civilization and the role of religion and social organization in prehistoric communities.

2. Knap of Howar, Scotland

One of the oldest stone houses, where farmers lived in northern Europe, built around 3600 BC.

3. Cairn de Barnenez, France

Photo by Prof. Phillip C. Lucas, Stetson University, 2000-2021

Located on the Kernéléhen peninsula near Plouezoc’h in Brittany, France, is one of the oldest and most significant megalithic monuments in Europe. The cairn is approximately 72 meters long, up to 25 meters wide, and over 8 meters high.

The Cairn de Barnenez is notable not only for its age but also for the presence of megalithic art within its chambers. The Cairn de Barnenez is renowned for its megalithic art, which includes various carvings and engravings found within its burial chambers. These artworks are significant as they provide insights into the symbolic and ritualistic practices of the Neolithic people who constructed the monument. 

The art within the Cairn de Barnenez is not only a testament to the artistic skills of its builders but also provides a glimpse into their cultural and religious beliefs. The presence of these carvings suggests that the burial chambers were not merely functional spaces but also held significant ceremonial importance.

4. Monte D'accoddi, Italy

This structure dates between 3650 and 4000 B.C. it is believed to have been built for religious purposes and has a pyramid-like shape.

5. Ggantija, Malta

Photo by hiddenarchitecture.net

This temple, built around 3700 BC, is older than the pyramids of Egypt and was used for religious rites. Archaeological evidence suggests that the temples were used for fertility rituals. The name comes from the Maltese word “ġgant,” meaning “giant”. The temples were constructed using limestone blocks that can weigh up to 50 tons. The temples are built in a unique clover-leaf shape, with a series of semi-circular apses connected by a central corridor. espite being thousands of years old, the Ġgantija Temples are remarkably well-preserved. It was reconigzed like one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the United States, the oldest buildings are not as old as those in other parts of the world, but there are still some notable historical structures. These includes: Pueblo bonito in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico; Taos, town in New Mexico and Casa grande in Arizona.  The avenuebits editorial team invites you to investigate these places and delve into the world of remodeling.