The word ‘troglodyte’ is Greek for cave dweller. If you imagined that cave dwellings were only prevalent during Neanderthal times, you would be surprised to know that there are entire underground villages, built into soft volcanic rock in Cappadocia, Turkey and Matmata, Tunisia. Extending seven to eight levels below the earth, these subterranean structures were built as refuges from marauding invaders, eventually evolving into villages and towns. A unique feature of troglodyte homes is that they are cool during summers and warm during winters, making them the perfect desert dwellings.






