The Woodwork of Greek Roofs

This study examines the construction of roofs of Greek temples between 600–400 BC in Greece, southern Italy and Sicily.

A. Trevor Hodge (Author)

9780521141123, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 June 2010

192 pages
24.6 x 18.9 x 1 cm, 0.35 kg

Originally published in 1960, Dr Hodge's study deals with the construction of the wooden parts of the roofing of classical Greek temples of the era 600–400 BC in Greece, southern Italy and Sicily. There were no fragments remaining of these wooden members (rafters, ridge-beams and purlins), so Dr Hodge demonstrates the original position and function of the timbers from the way the stonework was cut to fit round them, and to a lesser extent from ancient documents. Dr Hodge is able to define a widely used type of roof (the Gaggera roof) and ceiling (the slot ceiling) not hitherto noticed, and makes a suggestion about the possible origin of the triangular tie-beam truss, as well as collating existing knowledge of the time. There are about 50 photographs and a number of detailed architectural drawings.

List of illustrations
Preface
Abbreviations
Explanation of terms
Part I. Particular Examples: 1. The Temple of Poseidon, Paestum
2. The Theseion
3. The Megaron of Demeter, Gaggera
4. The Temple of Concord, Agrigento
Part II. General Features: 5. The ceiling and the attic
6. The primary timbers
7. The secondary timbers
8. The development of cornice blocks
9. Technique
Part III. Appendices: Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]