At Home in World History

Prehistoric Times: Shelter as Basic Human Necessity

A After food and clothing necessary for survival, the most important basic need is shelter.Throughout human history, people have needed protection from "the elements" (wind, rain, storms, cold, sun). Before they discovered how to build structures, human beings found shelter in trees, which provided protection from extreme weather, insects, wild animals, and other dangers. The earliest people began to "feel at home" in caves.