The Dragonhouses in Evia island, Greece
Submitted by Photoworks on Wednesday, 13 September 2006 Page Views: 9587
Neolithic and Bronze AgeCountry: Greece Type: Chambered TombInternal Links:
The Dragonhouses of Evia island in Greece are buildings attributed to the late Neolithic/Bronze Age up to the Hellenistic period. They appear to be religious sites of the Dryops, the first inhabitants of this area. They possibly represent an unknown facet of Ancient Greek scientific thought.
The construction method is impressive as the boulders used for the walls are huge and perfectly matched, while the slabs used for the roofs artfully meet toward the center, thus forming a vault.
A common trait is the entrances where usually two big slabs form the frame to support the third overhead, which is tilted.
Our first impression brings on the question: What tools and know-how were available three thousand years ago, to cut so artfully cut and place these huge boulders?
How can one not wonder noticing the converging slabs suspended above one’s head?
Tradition says that these were houses inhabited by dragons and that is why they are called "Dragonhouses" or "Drakospita".
The legend of these super-natural beings roams the mountains of southern Evia,for thousands of years. The tales and traditions talk of dragons living in the mountains`perhaps only in people's imaginations.
Opinions and suggestions vary as to their use, and through the years various theories have been expressed. Archaic paganistic temples,dwellings for Neolithic-era quarry workers,or some of the sturdiest sheep pens ever constructed by ancient man?
Situated on the windswept mountain slopes of southern Evia are what conceivably may described as Greece's version of Stonehenge,mysterious structures whose origins are lost in time, in short 'Dragonhouses" Today, there are about 25 such buildings still existing in Southern Evia.
In 1998 I published a coffe- table book entitled "STA SENTIA TON DRAKON" i.e (The Dragonhouses of Evia) which contains 50 high quality pictures featuring 10 of the best -preserved Dragonhouses shot during a haunting black & white "photographic journey" and accompanied by opposite-page legends in Greek,English and German.
You can see some of those Dragonhouses on my web site The Dragonhouses of Evia.
All critiques are welcome
Thank you
Vassilis Kalalougas
Photographer
N.Styra, Evia
Greece
[email protected]
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