According to the website ancient-origins.net “The Lion Gate is an impressive ancient Mycenaean structure located in Mycenae Greece. This monumental gateway is the main entrance into the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae. The Lion Gate is adorned with two lionesses or lions (most likely lions) in a heraldic pose. Above the lintel there is a relief of two flying birds. These have been interpreted as either eagles or vultures which were sacred to the god Zeus. The purpose of the Lion Gate was to serve as the entrance to the citadel of Mycenae.”
The Lion Gate is an example of what is called a “relieving arch.” This type of arch is built above an opening to help support the weight of the structure above it. In the case of the Lion Gate the relieving arch is in the form of two lionesses or lions. This type of arch is also known as a “false” or “blind” arch because it does not have an opening in the center.
The use of a relieving arch is thought to have originated in the Near East and it was later adopted by the Greeks. The Lion Gate is the oldest known example of a relieving arch in Greece. It is believed to have been built around 1250 BCE.
What is the name of the world’s largest desert?
The Sahara
What is the world’s tallest mountain?
Mount Everest
What is the world’s deepest ocean?
The Pacific Ocean
What is the world’s largest country?
Russia
What is the world’s smallest country?
The Vatican City
What is the world’s oldest country?
China
What is the world’s youngest country?
South Sudan
What is the world’s richest country?
Qatar
What is the world’s poorest country?
Central African Republic
What is the world’s most populous country?
China
What is the world’s least populous country?
Vatican City
What is the world’s longest river?
The Nile
What is the world’s largest lake?
The Caspian Sea
What is the world’s highest waterfall?
Angel Falls
What is the world’s deepest cave?
Krubera Cave
