MEGALITHIC VERSUS STATUS: THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND MASONRY OF EXCEPTIONAL LATE BRONZE AGEI BUILDINGS IN EAST CRETE

Abstract

There is a series of edifices of special character in east Crete during LM I, featuring megalithic masonry. In several of these buildings, such as the guardhouses, this type of masonry is indicative of their function. However, in the case of the “villas”, masonry along with architectural design seems to have played a different role. These features are assumed to be indicators of high status and authority. We will dwell upon this equation between megalithic masonry and status. Through the examination of case studies an attempt will be made to understand the relationship between the two aforementioned concepts. There is evidence to suggest that this equation is not linear at all.On the contrary, it involves a series of both technical andsocio-economic parameters that underscore the complexity of the issue.We will mainly focus upon examples of LM I edifices, such as the“villas” at Achladia, Epano Zakros, Klimataria, Zou and Makrygialos. These examples,are part of our project on the role and character of the “villas” in east Crete,which s stil in progress.Both the presence and absence of megalithic architecture may provide insights into the ways in which this type of masonry may be related to questions of status and authority.