cyclopean masonry

(noun)

A type of stonework found in Mycenaean architecture, built with massive limestone boulders, roughly fitted together with minimal clearance between adjacent stones and no use of mortar.

Related Terms

  • ashlar
  • citadel
  • post-and-lintel
  • megaron
  • corbel

Examples of cyclopean masonry in the following topics:

  • Mycenaean Architecture

    • Due to this ancient belief the use of large, roughly cut, ashlar blocks in building is referred to as Cyclopean masonry.
    • The thick Cyclopean walls reflect a need for protection and self-defense since these walls often encircled the citadel site and the acropolis on which the site was located.
    • The main approach to the citadel is through the Lion Gate, a cyclopean walled entrance way.
    • Its most notable features were its palace, its Cyclopean tunnels, its walls, and its tightly controlled access to the megaron and main rooms of the citadel.
    • Describe the characteristics of Mycenaean architecture, such as their use of Cyclopean masonry and the corbel arch.
  • The Propylaea and the Erechtheion

    • The southern wing of the Propylaia incorporated the original cyclopean walls from the Mycenaean citadel; this space was truncated but served as dining area for feasting after sacrifice.
  • Cast-Iron Architecture

    • Cast iron columns had the advantage of being slender, compared with masonry columns capable of supporting similar weight.
    • In New Orleans' French Quarter multi-story iron porches cantilever off of masonry walls.
  • The Acropolis

    • The citadel's Cyclopean walls defended the Acropolis for centuries, and still remains today.
    • The southern wing incorporated the original Cyclopean walls from the Mycenaean citadel.
  • Dutch Rationalist Architecture

    • Buildings of the Amsterdam School are characterized by their use of bricks, rounded or organic appearance, relatively traditional massing, and the integration of an elaborate scheme of building elements inside and out such as decorative masonry, art glass, wrought ironwork, spires or "ladder" windows (with horizontal bars), and integrated architectural sculpture.
  • Architecture and Art in the Unified Silla Period

    • Two pagodas on the ground, the Seokgatap and Dabotap, are also unique examples of Silla masonry and artistry.
  • Steel-Frame Construction

    • Steel columns can be protected by encasing them in some form of fire resistant structure such as masonry, concrete or plasterboard, or spraying them with a coating to insulate them from the heat of the fire.
  • Basic Load-Bearing Construction

    • The sills are bolted to the masonry or concrete foundation.
  • Chicago School of Architecture

    • One of the distinguishing features of the Chicago School is the use of steel-frame buildings with masonry cladding (usually terra cotta), allowing large plate-glass window areas and limiting the amount of exterior ornamentation.
  • Characteristics of Romanesque Architecture

    • Smooth ashlar masonry was not a distinguishing feature of the style, particularly in the earlier part of the period, but occurred chiefly where easily worked limestone was available.
    • Where really massive columns were called for, such as those at Durham Cathedral, they were constructed of ashlar masonry and the hollow core was filled with rubble.
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