DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4099#0268
GATE OF THE LIONS.—ACROPOLIS. 241
it exhibits two styles of construction differing totally from each
other. That side which is towards the plain of Argos is of the
rough Cyclopian masonry, while the other side is regularly con-
structed, like the front of the gate and the two lateral walls which
diverge from it. It would appear that the gate had been made some
time after the original Cyclopian structure; but I hazard this only as
a probable conjecture, without presuming to decide whether the re-
gular, as well as the irregular or polygonal construction, were not
sometimes employed at the same period. There are indeed reasons
for believing that while the walls of fortresses and strong places
were composed of Cyclopian masonry, the temples, sepulchres, and
sacred edifices, were formed of a more regular construction: as the
former were principally adapted to resist the impulse of warlike
engines, while the sanctuaries of the gods, and the repositories of
the dead, were regarded even by enemies with reverential awe.
A magnificent wall, composed of irregular polygons, closely
united and carefully smoothed, supports the terrace on which the
gate of the lions is situated; this wall faces the treasury of Atreus.
The acropolis of Mycenae is a long irregular triangle, standing
nearly east and west. The walls follow the sinuosities of the rock,
and are mostly composed of the second style of well joined poly-
gons, although the rough construction is occasionally seen. It is
not fortified with towers. On the northern side is a small gate, with
its lintel still entire. The structure is so disposed that those who
entered it would have their left arm, which was guarded by the
shield, on the side of the acropolis, which is a deviation from the
common rule. The grooves for the bolts in the jambs of the door
are square, and of large dimensions.
Not far from this, towards the eastern extremity of the acropolis,
is another gate of a pointed form, almost concealed by stones and
earth, by the removal of which I ascertained its shape. It fully
merits the trouble of an excavation. The traces within the acropolis
are few and imperfect; there is a circular chamber, excavated in
the rock, widening towards the bottom, and of the same form as the
VOL. II. I I
it exhibits two styles of construction differing totally from each
other. That side which is towards the plain of Argos is of the
rough Cyclopian masonry, while the other side is regularly con-
structed, like the front of the gate and the two lateral walls which
diverge from it. It would appear that the gate had been made some
time after the original Cyclopian structure; but I hazard this only as
a probable conjecture, without presuming to decide whether the re-
gular, as well as the irregular or polygonal construction, were not
sometimes employed at the same period. There are indeed reasons
for believing that while the walls of fortresses and strong places
were composed of Cyclopian masonry, the temples, sepulchres, and
sacred edifices, were formed of a more regular construction: as the
former were principally adapted to resist the impulse of warlike
engines, while the sanctuaries of the gods, and the repositories of
the dead, were regarded even by enemies with reverential awe.
A magnificent wall, composed of irregular polygons, closely
united and carefully smoothed, supports the terrace on which the
gate of the lions is situated; this wall faces the treasury of Atreus.
The acropolis of Mycenae is a long irregular triangle, standing
nearly east and west. The walls follow the sinuosities of the rock,
and are mostly composed of the second style of well joined poly-
gons, although the rough construction is occasionally seen. It is
not fortified with towers. On the northern side is a small gate, with
its lintel still entire. The structure is so disposed that those who
entered it would have their left arm, which was guarded by the
shield, on the side of the acropolis, which is a deviation from the
common rule. The grooves for the bolts in the jambs of the door
are square, and of large dimensions.
Not far from this, towards the eastern extremity of the acropolis,
is another gate of a pointed form, almost concealed by stones and
earth, by the removal of which I ascertained its shape. It fully
merits the trouble of an excavation. The traces within the acropolis
are few and imperfect; there is a circular chamber, excavated in
the rock, widening towards the bottom, and of the same form as the
VOL. II. I I