Greek architectural terracottas
Ancient Greek buildings were renowned for their terracotta roofs, an invention which may have first occurred in prehistoric times and been rediscovered in the seventh century BC. This is the first book to look in detail at the complex variations in tile shape, technical features, and decorative motifs which occur across Greece, particularly during the Archaic period. Inscriptions refer to Corinthian and Spartan tiles, and two different types of tile characterizing the roofs of Corinth and Sparta confirm these nomenclatures. A careful analysis of the preserved elements of roofs found in each major city or district, however, reveals considerably more variation, and shows that there were regional styles which distinguished the roofs of north-western Greece, Arcadia, the Argolid, Central Greece, Attica, and the Aegean islands as well . The importance of this new work is not only that it brings a fresh approach to the topic, revealing the regional styles of roofs as of pottery and sculpture, but also that it shows exactly how ancient roofs were assembled, by providing detailed drawings of several characteristic roofs for each regional system. The book is illustrated with numerous photographs, figures, and maps. It should be invaluable for archaeologists and those interested in the history of architecture.