Polygonal Retaining Wall on Stadium

Abstract

A retaining wall of the stadium featuring an architectural style known as "Lesbian Polygonal." a style identified with its similarity to a rock on the island of Lesbos which breaks along non-square lines.

Description

A retaining wall in the stadium, constructed in a style known as "Lesbian Polygonal," termed from its similarity to cleavage patters found in stone from the island of Lesbos. This style was most popular during the 6th century BCE, and had fallen out of use by the 4th. Regular polygonal masonry is characterized by the use of large non-square blocks, assembled without mortar and meticulously shaped to fit together. This wall in particular is somewhat less "lesbian" and more "trapezoidal" polygonal style, indicated by the clear distinction of courses (rows of stones), especially the top two layers.

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Stadium retaining wall, Lesbian Polygonal.

Identifier DH.067
Collection DH: Delphi
Location Delfoi, Greece
Year 1978
Batch Stamp JUL 78
Printed Date July, 1978
Slide Notes Stadium retaining wall. Lesbian Polygonal
Index Notes Stadium retaining wall (polygonal)
General Location Stadium of Herodus Atticus at Delphi