Tents were the most common type of housing in biblical times, as is the case in some parts of the world today. The simple structure and sparse furnishings made them easy to move from place to place. Tents were made by setting poles in the ground, then stretching animal skin or cloth over the poles. Curtains could be used inside the tent to divide it into rooms. Mats often covered the floor, with an open area left in the middle for building a fire.