Threshing floors were places where grain was separated from the chaff. The floor was usually packed clay soil that had been worn smooth. Sheaves of grain were spread out on the floor and trampled upon, ideally by oxen. The oxen would also drag notched wooden sleds which would help pull the grain from the sheaves. Thieves would often try to steal grain during harvest time. Thus, it was not uncommon for the workers to sleep at the threshing floor.