Μυκηναϊκός θολωτός τάφος του Άνω Εγκλιανού.
Πύλος, Μεσσηνία.
Mycenaean tholos tomb of Ano Englianos.
Pylos, Messenia – Greece.
A
tholos tomb (plural tholoi "domed tombs") also known as a beehive tomb
is a burial structure characterized by its false dome created by the
superposition of successively smaller rings of mudbricks or, more often,
stones. The resulting structure resembles a beehive. In Greece, the
vaulted tholoi are a monumental Late Bronze Age development.
This
Mycenaean tholos tomb is the largest in the area and stands near the
palace at Epano Englianos. It was built around 1550-1500 BC and remained
in use throughout the 15th and possibly until the 13th century BC. As a
family tomb, it is estimated to have accommodated at least 17 burials.
Although it had been looted in antiquity, it still contained pottery and
precious small objects. Outstanding among them are four sheet-gold owls
and a gold seal with representation of a griffin, emblem of royal
authority. The presence of royal tholos tombs in the area of Englianos
indicates that around 1500 BC there was a large settlement on the hill,
which was the center of an extensive territory.
The site
compares in size and richness with the palace of Mycenae and is believed
to be the home of Nestor, the second most powerful Mycenaean king. In
Greek mythology, Nestor of Gerenia was the King of Pylos. According to
Homer’s Iliad, Nestor took part n the expedition against Troy, provided
and equipped 90 vessels, second only to the 100 ships of the expedition
leader, Agamemnon himself. Nestor returned in safety from Troy and
survived a good many years. In the Odyssey, Nestor and those who were
part of his army had safely returned to Pylos since they didn't take
part in the looting of Troy upon the Greek's victory in the Trojan War.
Odysseus's son Telemachus travels to Pylos to inquire about the fate of
his father. Nestor receives Telemachus kindly and entertains him
lavishly but is unable to furnish any information on his father's fate.
More images at: Kevrekidis Photography
kevrekidis.deviantart.com
[ FujiFilm FinePix HS10 ]
© 2012 Jordan Kevrekidis
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