Final answer:
Mud brick is a traditional construction material made by mixing natural elements like earth, water, mud, and sand, which are then sun-dried. This technique was central in Mesopotamian architecture due to the scarcity of stone, leading to the use of sun-dried bricks in many historic structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of mud brick as a material is that it is made by mixing earth with water, along with other natural materials such as mud, loam, and sand. These components are then shaped and left to dry, traditionally in the sun, to harden into bricks. This technique dates back to ancient times and was particularly notable in Mesopotamian civilizations, where stone was scarce.
As such, these sun-dried bricks became a fundamental building material for structures, including homes, temples, and city walls. Despite their humble composition, these bricks contributed to architectural advances, like the development of the pilaster and the column, and were often used in conjunction with other materials like wood in historic construction. Though less durable than stone or fired bricks, mud brick structures could last for extended periods if maintained and protected from the elements.