A new development in the lake-dwelling research is the study of complex occupational pattern systems of single settlements in specific areas and within specific time spans. A special emphasis is placed upon the settlements’ size, location, typological characteristics and bibliographic aspects. Settlements are now studied from a life history perspective, from construction to abandonment, with a thorough consideration of the single house function, including sacred and profane components of its inhabitants’ lives.

The chapter focuses in particular on the Neolithic lacustrine lakeside dwelling of the Circum-Alpine region; how their size, development, duration and rotation are determined by a myriad of factors, such as climate, environment, landscape morphology, socio-economic decisions and cultural traits of the single communities.