Yemen’s “high-rises” are found in the ancient city of Shibam, often called the “Manhattan of the Desert.” Built mostly in the 16th century, Shibam’s skyline is made of mud-brick tower houses that reach up to 11 stories tall, making them some of the world’s oldest vertical buildings. The people built upward to save space inside the city walls and to protect against floods and attacks. Each building was made from mud, straw, and water, which keeps the interiors cool in the desert heat. Families li

In Yemen, entire fortress cities are built from mud bricks. #history #ancienthistory #Yemen | Archaic Origins