The definition of Cyclopean : an investigation into the origins of the LH III fortifications on mainland Greece
Cyclopean masonry, used to construct the LH III fortifications on mainland Greece, has been broadly defined as being of large irregular-shaped blocks, commonly of local limestone, unworked or roughly dressed and assembled without mortar, but with small stones set in interstices. Unfortunately, this is the extent to which this masonry has been defined, leaving unanswered questions concerning building style, engineering techniques, and the amount of labour invested in the projects. The heavily fortified palatial/residential complexes of Mycenaean Greece have often been considered the result of an unsettled and aggressive society; however, an investigation into the types and location of the various structures suggest that the walls were designed to conspicuously display wealth. Cyclopean stonework is not confined to the citadels, but includes the elaborate drainage project of the Copais and a system of road networks, both which would suggest a high level of cooperation between communities. Indeed, calculations made in considering resource availability demonstrate that fortifications exceeded all defensive requirements and were probably constructed in then- initial form as part of a programme promoting and strengthening
Loader, Nancy Claire
Late Bronze Age; Mycenaean Greece
The definition of Cyclopean : an investigation into the origins of the LH III fortifications on mainland Greece. Cyclopean masonry, used to construct the LH III fortifications on mainland Greece, has been broadly defined as being of large irregular-shaped blocks, commonly of local limestone, unworked or roughly dressed and assembled without mortar, but with small stones set in interstices. Unfortunately, this is the extent to which this masonry has been defined, leaving unanswered questions concerning building style, engineering techniques, and the amount of labour invested in the projects. The heavily fortified palatial/residential complexes of Mycenaean Greece have often been considered the result of an unsettled and aggressive society; however, an investigation into the types and location of the various structures suggest that the walls were designed to conspicuously display wealth. Cyclopean stonework is not confined to the citadels, but includes the elaborate drainage project of the Copais and a system of road networks, both which would suggest a high level of cooperation between communities. Indeed, calculations made in considering resource availability demonstrate that fortifications exceeded all defensive requirements and were probably constructed in then- initial form as part of a programme promoting and strengthening
definition investigation origins iii fortification mainland_greece masonry use construct iii fortification mainland_greece broadly_define large irregular shaped block commonly local limestone unworked roughly dress assemble without mortar small stone set unfortunately extent masonry define leave unanswered question_concern building style engineering technique amount labour project heavily fortify palatial residential complex mycenaean_greece often_consider unsettled aggressive society however investigation type location various structure suggest wall design display wealth confine citadel include elaborate drainage project system road_network would_suggest high_level cooperation community indeed calculation make consider resource availability fortification exceed defensive requirement probably construct then initial form_part programme promote strengthen