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Articles

• Philokyprou, Maria

In Cyprus stone was the primary building material, either as rubble or in a dressed form (called ashlar), since the Neolithic period. Initially stone was used only as rubble but later during the Late Brone Age ashlar stone appeared for the first time on the island. The aim of this paper is the presentation of the results of a systematic research regarding the different types and uses of ashlar stone and the techniques followed during the Late Bronze Age in Cyprus in comparison with other Mediterranean areas. The macroscopic and microscopic examination of selected samples showed that sedimentary rocks of various geological formations were used as ashlars. One, two or even three different types of stones were transported from the quarries nearest to the settlements. Some characteristic methods of stone dressing, such as finishing only the visible faces and creating drafted margins around the face of the ashlar blocks, are to be found not only in Late Bronze Age settlements but also in more recent examples from the last two centuries. The choice of ashlar and the methods of construction can be related to social, religious and political factors and were not only based on aesthetic criteria and practical issues. Thus, the most impressive structural solutions were followed in the construction of temples and public buildings, whereas more simple methods can be observed in residential complexes.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

Quarries, Drafted margins, Orthostats, Courses, Calcareous sandstone

Corresponding author: mphiloky@ucy.ac.cy, This article is based mainly on an unpublished PhD thesis on Building Materials and Structures of the Architecture in Prehistoric Cyprus ‐ From the Neolithic period until the Late Bronze Age (in Greek), that was submitted by the author in the University of Cyprus and was supervised by Professor Vassos Karageorghis. Valuable scientific assistance was contributed by Dr. Costas Xenophontos, a geologist of the Department of Geological Survey and financial support for the research was offered by the A.G.Leventis Foundation. In addition, valuable information included in this article is derived from further multidisciplinary research that was carried out recently in the University of Cyprus in collaboration with Government Departments.