House of Tiles

Definition

The House of Tiles is an ancient structure located in the archaeological site of Lerna, Greece, dating back to the Early Helladic period. It is characterized by its unique roof made from fired clay tiles, which is a significant architectural feature that marks a shift in construction techniques during the Bronze Age. This building is notable for its size, complex layout, and potential multifunctional use, indicating the emergence of more sophisticated societal organization in Early Helladic communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The House of Tiles features a distinctive roof constructed from fired clay tiles, which was a relatively innovative architectural advancement for its time.
2. This structure covers approximately 1,000 square meters, making it one of the largest buildings in Early Helladic Lerna, suggesting it had significant importance to the community.
3. Archaeological evidence indicates that the House of Tiles may have served multiple purposes, possibly as a communal space or a ceremonial site.
4. The presence of large storage jars found within the House of Tiles hints at economic activities such as storage and possibly trade, reflecting social complexity.
5. The layout and construction techniques seen in the House of Tiles influenced later architectural developments during the Middle and Late Helladic periods.

Review Questions

• How does the architecture of the House of Tiles reflect advancements in construction techniques during the Early Helladic period?
  • The House of Tiles showcases advancements in construction through its use of fired clay tiles for roofing, which provided durability and weather resistance. This technique marks a transition from simpler thatched roofs to more sophisticated building methods. The large scale and complex layout of the structure further indicate an evolution in architectural design that catered to larger populations and possibly multifunctional community needs.
• In what ways does the House of Tiles provide insights into the social structure and economic activities of Early Helladic communities?
  • The House of Tiles serves as an important indicator of social structure by its size and design, suggesting it was a central location for community gatherings or administration. The discovery of storage jars within indicates economic activities like storage or trade were likely taking place there. This points to an organized society with specialized roles, showing how such communal spaces played a role in fostering social interactions and economic exchanges.
• Evaluate the significance of the House of Tiles within the broader context of Bronze Age Aegean civilization and its architectural evolution.
  • The House of Tiles is significant as it exemplifies early architectural innovation that laid groundwork for subsequent developments in Bronze Age Aegean civilization. Its large scale and use of fired clay tiles reflect a shift toward more permanent structures capable of supporting larger communities. As societies evolved, so did their architectural needs; thus, the House of Tiles not only provides insights into early socio-economic structures but also highlights transitional architectural trends that influenced later periods in Greek history.

Related terms

Lerna: An important archaeological site in the Argolid region of Greece, known for its significant finds from the Early Helladic period, including the House of Tiles.

Early Helladic Period: A phase in Aegean prehistory that spans roughly from 3000 to 2000 BCE, marked by the development of urban centers and advancements in pottery and metallurgy.

Fired Clay Tiles: Construction materials made from clay that are baked at high temperatures to create durable tiles, commonly used in buildings during the Bronze Age.