Megalithic versus status : The architectural design and masonry of exceptional late bronze age I buildings in east Crete
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.5, No.2, 2005, pages 35-48
Issue:
Pages:
35-48
Section Title:
Articles
Abstract:
There is a series of edifices of special character in east Crete during LM I, featuring megalithicmasonry. In several of these buildings, such as the guardhouses, this type of masonry is indicativeof their function. However, in the case of the "villas", masonry along with architectural designseems to have played a different role. These features are assumed to be indicators of high status andauthority. We will dwell upon this equation between megalithic masonry and status. Through theexamination of case studies an attempt will be made to understand the relationship between thetwo aforementioned concepts. There is evidence to suggest that this equation is not linear at all. Onthe contrary, it involves a series of both technical and socio-economic parameters that underscorethe complexity of the issue. We will mainly focus upon examples of LM I edifices, such as the "villas"at Achladia, Epano Zakros, Klimataria, Zou and Makrygialos. These examples, are part of ourproject on the role and character of the "villas" in east Crete, which is still in progress. Both thepresence and absence of megalithic architecture may provide insights into the ways in which thistype of masonry maybe related to questions of status and authority.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Crete, Villa, Architecture, Status
