Tholos tomb of Atreus
Tholos tomb of Atreus
This tomb stands out as one of the largest and most impeccably constructed tholos tombs from the Mycenaean era, surpassing the other nine discovered in Mycenae. It dates back to approximately 1350-1250 B.C.E. Access to the tomb was through a passageway, 36 meters long and 6 meters wide, carved into the rock and lined with smooth vertical stones. The entrance, marked by a massive lintel made of two enormous stones, led to a chamber with impressive architectural features. The façade, adorned with half-columns made of green stone, showcased intricate relief designs, fragments of which are now preserved in various museums across the world. Inside the tomb, a circular chamber with a corbelled vault, constructed with meticulous precision, impressed visitors. The vault, spanning 14.60 meters in diameter and 13.40 meters in height, was assembled with 33 rows of smooth vertical stones, each slightly protruding from the lower one. A significant stone, known as the "key," ensured the stability of the vault, although it's the only element replaced in modern times. The interior was once adorned with bronze rosettes, some of which remain intact today.
As seen on
Mycenae: Agamemnon's home
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