2. Jericho (Palestine) Age: ~11,000 years old (9000 BCE). Location: West Bank, near the Jordan River. Population: 2,000–3,000 in ancient times; ~20,000 today. City Description: Exterior: Surrounded by a massive stone wall and a prominent tower, Jericho was among the first cities to adopt defensive architecture. Nearby springs provided fresh water, making it a vital oasis. The city was bordered by farmlands where residents cultivated wheat and barley. Interior: Circular houses were made from mudbrick and supported by stone foundations. Storage pits and communal spaces indicated a well-organized settlement. Early evidence of organized burial practices was found beneath the floors of homes. Lifestyle: Jericho’s residents practiced settled farming, supplemented by hunting and trade with nearby regions. Religious artifacts suggest that spiritual practices and ancestor worship were central to their lives. People and Dressing: Clothing was woven from plant fibers, with basic tunics or wraps Mehr sehen