These ancient homes are a marvel of engineering. When they were used, roughly 3000 years ago, the way they were constructed made them able to stand up to earthquakes, windstorms and heavy rain storms that hit the area during the rainy season. Perhaps this is an easy explanation as to why the structures are still standing today.
These "beehive" homes are located in Harran, an ancient city located between the borders of modern day Syria and Turkey. The city is so historically significant that it is even mentioned in the Bible a few times. Over the years, the village, which still stands, has been reduced to a footnote in history.
These structures are made completely of mud and clay bricks. Their design allows them to keep the middle-eastern dessert heat out, while allowing cool air to remain inside.
They also have a hole in the top much the same as a Native American tee-pee. It allows hot air to condense at the top and escape.
The remains of the ancient village have become a rather popular tourist destination.