Mycenæ: a narrative of researches and discoveries at Mycenæ and TirynsSchliemann, Heinrich
History
Mycenæ: a narrative of researches and discoveries at Mycenæ and Tiryns
Schliemann, Heinrich
Mycenae (Extinct city); Tiryns (Extinct city)
At the north end of my trench I have brought to light part of a Cyclopean
water-conduit, which is still more remarkable than those of Tiryns, for
there at least the water-conduit rests on the natural rock, while here it
is imbedded in the _débris_, and, as the uncut stones are joined without
any binding material, it is really wonderful how a current of water could
have passed along them without being lost through the interstices. Close
to the Cyclopean water-conduit are twelve recesses, consisting of large
slabs of calcareous stone and covered by smaller ones; in my opinion
they cannot possibly be anything else than small cisterns. A few yards
south of these reservoirs I have brought to light two tombstones, which
stand in a direct line from north to south, and are ornamented with
bas-reliefs of the highest interest. Unfortunately the tombstone to the
north consists of a soft calcareous stone, in consequence of which it is
broken in several places, and its upper part has not been preserved. It
is 6 inches thick, 4 feet high, 4 ft. 2 in. broad below, and 3 ft. 8½ in.
above; it shows one undivided picture, encompassed below as well as on
both sides by a broad border, which is formed in the simplest way into
rows, and it represents a hunting scene.[194] On a chariot, drawn by one
horse, stands the hunter, who holds in his left hand the reins, in his
right a long broad sword. Owing to fractures in the stone the upper part
of the chariot is not distinctly visible, but the wheel can be well seen,
with its four spokes forming a cross. The outstretched fore and hind legs
of the horse appear to indicate his great speed. Below to the left is a
tolerably well-formed dog, with a curved tail, chasing a flying deer,
probably a roe, whose tail however is by far too long. Just above the
roe's back, and between the horse's feet, lies an object which cannot be
recognised; it may equally well represent a man lying prostrate, or a
cart with two wheels. On either side, in the broad border formed by two
vertical parallel fillets, are three ovals or _cartouches_, containing a
very curious ornamentation, which at first sight seems to have a symbolic
signification; but on close examination one finds that it is nothing
more than a beautiful ornamentation of spiral lines. At the base are
three horizontal fillets. Behind the chariot is a row of signs resembling
letters, but this also is probably nothing more than ornamentation.
[Illustration: No. 140. The Second Tombstone, found above the Sepulchres
in the Acropolis. (4 M.)
About one-twelfth of the actual size.]
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