DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.75208#0014
6*
No. VII.
BACK OF THE GATE OF THE LIONS.
It has already been mentioned that the walls which surround the acropolis of Mycenae are built in a different style
from those which compose the gate of the lions; the former consist either of rough unhewn masses, or of well joined irregular
polygons which have been cut. This renders it probable that the walls and the gate were raised at different periods; but I
merely hazard this opinion as an uncertain conjecture, without presuming to decide whether the regular as well as the
rough and the polygonal constructions 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—temples, sepulchres,
and edifices consecrated either to the worship of the gods, or to the memory of the dead, were constructed with more
symmetry of appearance, but with less massiveness and strength. The former were calculated to resist the aggressions of
hostile violence, while even enemies were impressed with the feeling of reverence by the sanctuaries of the gods and the
repositories of the dead.
The great stone in the middle of the Picture is the same on which the lions are sculptured on the other side of it.
Only a part of the lintel is here visible, the accumulation of ruins being greater on this side than on the other. The wall
on the left of the gate is composed of rough masses, that appear never to have been hewn, while that on the right of the
gate is nearly regular, resembling the Treasury of Atreus, and probably erected at the same period. Both these structures
manifest striking indications of Egyptian origin.—2d Vol. 6th Chap.
No. VIII.
SMALL GATE OF THE ACROPOLIS OF MYCENAE.
On the northern side of the acropolis of Mycenae is the small gate, the interior of which is here represented. It is so
disposed, that those who entered it would have their left arm (which was defended 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. The breadth of the door is only five feet two inches, but is a little augmented towards the base: it is so
much buried by ruins, that its height cannot be ascertained.—2d Vol. 6th Chap.
No. VII.
BACK OF THE GATE OF THE LIONS.
It has already been mentioned that the walls which surround the acropolis of Mycenae are built in a different style
from those which compose the gate of the lions; the former consist either of rough unhewn masses, or of well joined irregular
polygons which have been cut. This renders it probable that the walls and the gate were raised at different periods; but I
merely hazard this opinion as an uncertain conjecture, without presuming to decide whether the regular as well as the
rough and the polygonal constructions 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—temples, sepulchres,
and edifices consecrated either to the worship of the gods, or to the memory of the dead, were constructed with more
symmetry of appearance, but with less massiveness and strength. The former were calculated to resist the aggressions of
hostile violence, while even enemies were impressed with the feeling of reverence by the sanctuaries of the gods and the
repositories of the dead.
The great stone in the middle of the Picture is the same on which the lions are sculptured on the other side of it.
Only a part of the lintel is here visible, the accumulation of ruins being greater on this side than on the other. The wall
on the left of the gate is composed of rough masses, that appear never to have been hewn, while that on the right of the
gate is nearly regular, resembling the Treasury of Atreus, and probably erected at the same period. Both these structures
manifest striking indications of Egyptian origin.—2d Vol. 6th Chap.
No. VIII.
SMALL GATE OF THE ACROPOLIS OF MYCENAE.
On the northern side of the acropolis of Mycenae is the small gate, the interior of which is here represented. It is so
disposed, that those who entered it would have their left arm (which was defended 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. The breadth of the door is only five feet two inches, but is a little augmented towards the base: it is so
much buried by ruins, that its height cannot be ascertained.—2d Vol. 6th Chap.