The Tholos at Epidaurus

The Tholos at Epidaurus

The Tholos at Epidaurus was constructed between 360 and 330 BC and was designed by architect Polykleitos. It follows the usual building pattern of the Greek tholos with an outer ring of Doric columns forming the perimeter threshold between the inner labyrinth and the outside world. A second ring of scaled down columns is found inward harboring the labyrinth. Unlike earlier Greek tholos, the Tholos at Epidaurus has a specific entrance point with a ramp placed for people to enter and exit the building, former tholos were built only to be seen from the outside so they did not need a highlighted entrance way as nobody would be going inside. 

The purpose of the building is still unknown thought there are many theories on what went on inside the Tholos at Epidaurus. Some theories suggest that had something to do with the sun, while other believe that it could have been a place where patients were brought to be cured. Today nothing remains of the Tholos at Epidaurus besides the inner labyrinth and the remaining rubble

Works Cited

"The Tholos at Epidaurus." The Tholos at Epidaurus. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

Elderkin, George W. “Tholos and Abaton at Epidaurus.” American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 15, no. 2, 1911, pp. 161–167. www.jstor.org/stable/497211.