Yes they were. Modern man is also very much incapable of affording such houses. Stone is much more expensive now. But then I look at some of the houses people build in the Himalyas with layers of wood and stones. Their structures easily withstand many earthquakes in the mountains.

These earthquake-resistant structures lack metal and mortar, allowing them to flex as needed during a tremor.

They are called 'Kath Kuni' in the Himalyas