Gardner, Percy: Sculptured tombs of Hellas (London, 1896)

THE PRE-HISTORIC AGE OF GREECE

47

to which it has often been compared, and a cubical inner
chamber, of much smaller dimensions. The accompanying
engraving will make this clear (Fig. 14). The architect of
the Mycenaean tomb had no small skill. The colossal size
of the stones, especially of that over the door and of some
in the dromos or approach, arouses the astonishment of the
modern visitor, who wonders by what machinery and appliances
blocks so colossal were transported from the quarries and
placed in position. The gradual inward slope of the walls,
each course of which somewhat overlaps the course below,
is managed with great skill and accuracy. Rows of nails,
some remains of which are still to be seen in the inner walls,

FIG. 14. SECTIONAL PLAN OF THE SO-CALLED TREASURY OF ATRECS'.

supported, not indeed as some have supposed, a complete bronze
lining to the conical chamber, but rows of stars or other
ornaments, on which would glitter the light of the torches
(Fig. 15). Perhaps the most expressive characteristic of all
is the lavish expenditure of labour on a building which was
entirely buried with earth, and on the magnificent approach
built of hewn stones, when something far simpler and more
effective might have been arranged. Evidently the builders of
these monuments thought no trouble and no expense wasted,
if only the dead were honoured and gratified.

A simpler form of tomb of the same age and style
dispensed with the square side-chamber, and consisted of

' Schuclihaidt, Schliananris Ausgrabutigcu, p. 1 76.