What rudimentary door-securing method preceded widespread adoption of the modern knob?

Answer

A latch-string

Before Dorsey's invention, securing a door often relied on less convenient methods like a simple latch or a latch-string, which involved threading a leather thong through a hole in the door panel.

What rudimentary door-securing method preceded widespread adoption of the modern knob?
inventionHistoryinventorMandoorknob