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The Architectural context of the Macedonian Vaulted Tombs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 September 2013

R. A. Tomlinson
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Abstract

This article is concerned with the Macedonian vaulted tombs as a specifically Macedonian contribution to the development of Greek architecture. It looks at the theory that the technique was inspired by eastern examples. Mesopotamian and Egyptian vaulting techniques are described, and shown to be different. It therefore follows that the Macedonian technique was not copied from the Near East.

Type
Research Article
Information
Annual of the British School at Athens , Volume 82 , November 1987 , pp. 305 - 312
Copyright
Copyright © The Council, British School at Athens 1987

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References

1 This is a shortened version of a paper originally given at a Day School of the University of Manchester in 1984. I have omitted sections which duplicate arguments presented by Professor Andronikos in his paper in this volume of BSA, with which I fully concur.

2 Pantermalis, D., ‘Ο νέος Μακεδονικός τάφος τῆς Βεργίνς, Μαϰεδονιϰἁ 12 (1972) 147.Google Scholar

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4 Garland, R., ‘A First Catalogue of Attic Peribolos Tombs’, BSA 77 (1982) 125.Google Scholar

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8 See Professor Andronikos' comments (above p. 6). While it is true that such scissors have blades which are curved on the outer edges, the cutting edges (which actually meet at their inner ends) of course have to be straight, and it is this which most resembles a corbel roof, or a roof of two straight slabs meeting at an apex. See the scissors from Priene (Priene Abb 514, p. 390). True, Winnefeld in his description of these scissors refers to the curved section of the connecting handle as the ‘Bogen’—but it is still the straight-sided blades which are the most obvious feature, particularly if the scissors were hung vertically from a nail.

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10 See (e.g.) A. W. Lawrence, Greek Architecture 4 254.

11 E. E. D. M. Oates in Archaeological Theory and Practice, D. E. Strong (ed.), p. 186 (vaults and arches, early second millennium BC at Tell at Rimah).

12 Koldewey, R., The Excavations at Babylon (London, 1914) fig. 61.Google Scholar

13 I am grateful to H. S. Issa, who is studying the architecture of Hatra for a Ph.D. under my supervision, for information on Hatra's vaulting techniques.

14 AJA 87 (1983) 99 f.

15 Clarke, Somers and Engelbach, R., Ancient Egyptian Masonry (Oxford 1930) 181 f. and esp. 186.Google Scholar

16 This, of course, was written before I read Professor Andronikos' paper (above p. 1).