1. Caves and Rock Shelters:
- These natural formations were often modified and used for habitation by prehistoric humans. Caves and rock shelters provided protection from the elements, predators, and the cold or the sun.
- Minor alterations, such as adding a wall of rocks or brush to block the entrance, might have been made to enhance shelter and comfort.
2. Huts:
- Early humans built huts using organic materials like branches, leaves, grass, reeds, and animal skins.
- These huts were typically circular or oval in shape and might have had mud or clay added to make them more sturdy and waterproof.
3. Lean-Tos:
- Lean-tos were simple shelters formed by leaning branches, sticks, or logs against a support, such as a rock, a tree, or an existing wall.
- One side of the lean-to would be open, while the other would be covered with leaves, grass, or animal skins.
4. Tents:
- Tents made of animal skins or woven fibers would have been portable and offered protection during nomadic or seasonal migrations.
5. Pit Dwellings:
- Pit dwellings were holes dug into the ground, with wooden supports and a roof of vegetation.
- These shelters provided better insulation from temperature extremes and were likely used in cold climates.
6. Stone Structures:
- In areas with abundant stone, prehistoric humans constructed shelters and walls made of unmortared rocks or stones.
- The use of stone provided greater durability compared to organic materials.
7. Lake Dwellings:
- In certain parts of the world, people built settlements on platforms or stilts over water bodies.
- These lake dwellings offered protection from predators, floods, and damp ground.
The construction techniques and materials used in prehistoric shelters varied significantly based on the environment and cultural practices of different groups. It's worth noting that the examples mentioned here are generalizations as prehistoric shelter types encompassed diverse regional variations and innovations throughout human history.