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The entrance of the so-called Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae, actually a circular tomb or tholos
Cyclopean structures (Greek: Κυκλώπειες κατασκευές) were constructed during the prehistoric times, using a unique technique: huge stones as the building elements, minimal clearance between adjacent stones or boulders and no use of mortar.
The ancient Greeks called these structures Cyclopean as they believed that only Cyclopes could have managed to built these huge structures. These stones could weigh as much as 200 tons. Each stone had a unique shape. They were built with such a precision that the clearance between adjacent stones was less than 1/10th of a millimetre, without the use of mortar.
The hyperthyrion (lintel) at Tholos of Atreus at Mycenae shown above is a single block measuring 9 x 8,5 x 1,3 meters or 100 cubic meters. Its weight is estimated to be over 200 tons.
Historical accounts
Pausanias had described the Cyclopean walls of Tiryns and Mycenae:
Going on from here and turning to the right, you come to the ruins of Tiryns. ... The wall, which is the only part of the ruins still remaining, is a work of the Cyclopes made of unwrought stones, each stone being so big that a pair of mules could not move the smallest from its place to the slightest degree. Long ago small stones were so inserted that each of them binds the large blocks firmly together.
In the ruins of Mycenae is a fountain called Persea; there are also underground chambers of Atreus and his children, in which were stored their treasures.
There still remain, however, parts of the city wall, including the gate, upon which stand lions. These, too, are said to be the work of the Cyclopes, who made for Proetus the wall at Tiryns. Pausanias
In the photo below, the difference between cyclopean walls (center and left) and conventional wall (right, indicated in blue square) is apparent.
Difference between cyclopean and conventional wall
Locations of Cyclopean structures
Apart from the Tirynthian and Mycenaean walls, other Cyclopean structures include some pyramids in Greece, the three great pyramids of Egypt, Various structures in Anatolia, including the city of Jericho, as well as many prehistoric structures in Tiahuanaco and Machu Picchu, in South America.
Cyclopean Walls in the site Perdikakia
During the historic times, no such structures have ever been build characterized by huge stone elements, minimal clearance between adjacent stones and no use of mortar.
Links
See also : Greek Mythology. Paintings, Drawings
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