Modular, portable buildings had an early start in the Middle East. Archaeological evidence shows that during the time of Roman occupation of Egypt young men about 13 began learning a trade. One of these was tent making -- a craft that might take them several years to master according to the book The Social Context of Paul's Ministry.
It was not just a matter of grabbing a needle and start sewing. There was much to learn such as how to cut material to size and shape and sewing it all together with a variety of awls and needles and using a variety of stitching techniques.
Tent makers also had to learn how to weave different materials to work with before sewing them together. Different materials included goal and camel hair, which expanded when wet, blocking out the rain as well as leather and even linen --used to create sun awnings to cover the atria of private houses and possibly other buildings.
Once they mastered their trade, as the Apostle Paul did according to Acts18:3young Jewish men, as well as men from surrounding countries had valuable skills that enabled to earn a living almost anywhere they traveled -- either making new or repairing old tents for others.
This is a trade that exists down to this day in the Middle Eastern countries.
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