Tholoi Tombs- Reading Post

In Algiers, Northern Africa there are many tumulus tombs that still apply to ancient traditions.  A notable one is the Kbour-er-Roumia which means the 'tomb of a Christian woman.'  

STACKS:  Stacks are definitely seen in this site because it has a diameter of sixty meters that sits on a low square base.  Then there is a three-stepped crepis (foundation) that supports a ring of sixty ionic half columns.

IONIC COLUMS:  We recently discussed Ionic columns which are the slightly changed form from the doric column, but not quite as changed as the Corinthian column.  There is a debate as to whether the ionic is a woman form or not, although I think it is the woman form!

Ionic half columns

The Ionic half columns decorate a drum, where a rising stepped conical hill terminates in a circular platform.  The platform is 32 meters high.

CIRCLES: Here circles both from the beginning of class and in class this week circles are clearly incorporated into design.  The circle leads you to the very top and at the top is where a sculptural element was, but no longer remains.

The Kbour-er-Roumia served as a MODEL for the mausolem of Augustus, which is another major tumulus tomb.

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It has a circular base that is 87 meters in diameter that was covered with travertine.    On the base there was a tumulus that was planted with cypress trees.  On top of that stood a cylindrical structure.

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I love the idea of this building because it is a 'blend of architecture and landscape, of building and mountain."  Most of the other structures we focus on are only focused on the actual building, and not so much the landscape that surrounds it.  But this building had STACKS that were focused purely on the trees, and then another stack that focused on the material or a structure.  I think more buildings in the future should incorporate landscape as well.