"It is well known that none of the German peoples live in cities, that even individually they do not permit houses to touch each other. They live separated and scattered, depending on whether springs, meadows, or groves appeal to them. They lay out their villages not, after our fashion, with buildings contiguous and connected. Every one keeps a clear space round his house, whether it is a precaution against the chances of fire or just ignorance about building" - Tacitus
