Perishable,yet perennial:formal and semantic properties of round building architecture in prehistoric Aegean

Abstract

Round buildings are architecturaly distinct, while defying direct assessment of specific, cultural significance. This is partly due to a lack of finer typology regarding morphology, range of use, stratigraphy, settlement context and indeed geographic and chronological correlations. Flimsy structure and very small numbers compared to other architectural types are two additional reasons that might explain an overall apprehension to deal with these constructions as a distinct and peculiar class of evidence.

This paper aims at bringing the Aegean evidence to the fore of archaeological discussion, with regard to its peculiar morphology and contents, stratigraphy and settlement context, chronology, duration and symbolic manifestation. An architectural reconstruction is suggested on account of combined sources,i.e. actual remains, iconography and plastic models. The semantic ramifications of this class of evidence will be explored against its typological and contextual transformations mainly with-in Minoan Crete. It is suggested that perishable structure is a significant formal property as much as a semantic constituent of form, in the same way that the goddess with upraised arms enthroned in the LMIII hut models indicates an association with the sacred. An interpretative approach of these enthroned figures in particular will also be attempted.