Housing. Egyptian houses were built of mud brick in ancient times, as are many modern village houses. The exterior was often whitewashed, which reflected the bright sun and made the building more attractive. Interior surfaces had less decoration than the exterior. The plan of houses changed from the Old Kingdom (circa 2675-2130 B.C.E.) to the later periods in Egyptian history, probably as a result of changes in the supports used for roofs. Builders during the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom (circa 1980-1630 B.C.E.) depended on barrel vaults to support the roofs, which required thick walls and narrow rooms. During the New Kingdom (circa 1539-1075 B.C.E.) columns were used, which allowed for wider rooms with thinner walls, and the walls no longer supported the full weight of the roof. Windows were generally placed high in the walls. Glass was not used to cover...