Carthage (Tunis), Gao , and The Etruscans!
How did The Phoenicians deal with extreme heat?
Architecture and adaptation to heat, rather than combatting it, are key factors that Pheonecians embraced. The ability of individuals to achieve both depends largely on their socio-economic status. Traditional or hand-built architecture is better suited to its environment than modern materials and Western architecture. Modern metal, metal supported concrete and plastic constructs require extensive air conditioning due to the heat retention of metal structures. Building materials such as stone, thatch, and mud have lower heat retention properties, helping to maintain cooler temperatures inside dwellings compared to outside. Thicker walls contributed to reduced heat exchange between the interior and exterior environments.
Utilizing ventilation is a traditional method to combat heat, such as positioning buildings in alignment with prevailing winds, constructing structures with central courtyards, incorporating wooden lattices to allow light and air circulation while blocking heat, and implementing wind towers for enhanced cooling. Additionally, shading techniques are employed to reduce temperatures. Certain societies utilized subterranean dwellings, leveraging the earth's natural temperature regulation. In hot climates, it is common to observe designated midday rest periods during the peak heat hours. As individuals encountered these techniques through travel, trade, or conquest, they adapted and incorporated them into their own practices (e.g., southern Spain adopting ventilation technologies the Moors (Blacks) brought from North East Africa.
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