Social Distancing Practices in Neolithic Settlements

New research led by UT Professor Alex Bentley suggests that social distancing practices may have been used as early as 6,000 years ago in Neolithic Trypillia mega-settlements to prevent disease spread. The study, published in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface, used computer modeling to analyze the layout of the Nebelivka settlement in Ukraine, revealing that its clustered design likely helped contain foodborne diseases. This ancient urban planning approach could inform modern strategies for managing disease outbreaks.