**Early Architectural History**: – Paleolithic era marked by the construction of shelters by humans and ancestors. – Nest-building behavior observed in great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans. – Nest-building potentially crucial for human evolution of creativity and construction skills. – Development of home bases around 2 million years ago influencing shelter construction. – Earliest confirmed structures found in France at Terra Amata site around 400,000 years ago. – Neolithic period (10,000-2000 BC) saw major architectural advances due to plant and animal domestication. – Neolithic settlements like Göbekli Tepe, Jericho, and Çatalhöyük emerged during this period. **Ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian Architecture**: – Mesopotamian architecture well-documented with prominent structures like ziggurats in cities such as Babylon and Nineveh. – Egyptian architecture characterized by grandeur, precision, hieroglyphs, and intricate carvings. – Temples like Karnak and Luxor showcasing advanced architectural techniques. – Mesopotamia known for mud-brick buildings and ziggurats elevating temples to command positions. – Ancient Egyptians built monumental structures like pyramids and temples influenced by beliefs in the afterlife. **Greek and Roman Architectural Influence**: – Greek architecture focused on symmetry, proportion, and harmony with iconic structures like the Parthenon. – Roman architecture adopted and expanded upon Greek principles, known for engineering feats like aqueducts. – Influence of Greek and Roman architecture can be seen in modern buildings. – Greek temples adorned with sculptures and intricate decorations influencing later styles. – Roman architecture spread throughout the empire, combining local traditions with Roman styles. **Pre-Columbian and Mesoamerican Architecture**: – Complex societies in North, Central, and South America over 3,000 years ago. – Mayan, Aztec, and Inca architecture showcased advanced engineering and design. – Mesoamerican architecture incorporating intricate carvings and sculptures in sites like Teotihuacan and Tikal. – Inca architecture using topography and land materials in designs with examples like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán. – Mayan, Aztec, and Inca structures often aligned with astronomical features. **South Asian Architectural Evolution**: – South Asian architecture evolving from ancient Indian styles to Islamic influences. – Unique architectural forms emerging in different regions of South Asia over time. – Buddhist architecture featuring structures like stupas symbolizing infinite space. – Hindu architecture evolving from rock-cut cave shrines to monumental temples with regional adaptations. – Maru Gurjara architecture characterized by sharply carved statues and spirelets in Hindu and Jain places of worship.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_architecture