MATERA, ITALY - JULY 27:  The 'Sassi di Matera' or 'Stones of Matera', an ancient town near Matera, Italy, circa 1980. Originally a prehistoric, troglodyte settlement with houses dug into the rock, it is thought to have been one of the first human settlements in Italy. Matera, Basilicata, Italy  on July 27, 2012 in Matera, Italy.  (Photo by Massimo Di Nonno/Getty Images)