WHO WERE THE BUILDERS? 



Mediterranean. Similarly we ought perhaps to 

 disclaim any direct connection between the corri- 

 dor-tombs of the megalithic area and the great 

 tholoi of Crete and the Greek mainland. At first 

 sight there is a considerable similarity between 

 them. The Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae with 

 its corbelled circular chamber and long rectangular 

 corridor seems very little removed, except in size 

 and finish, from the tombs of Gavr' Inis and Lough 

 Crew. Yet there are vital points of difference. 

 The two last are tombs built partly with upright 

 slabs on the surface of the ground, entered by 

 horizontal corridors, and covered with mounds. 

 The Treasury of Atreus is simply an elaborated 

 rock- tomb cut underground with a sloping shaft ; 

 as the ground consisted only of loose soil a coating 

 of stone was a necessity, and hence the resemblance 

 to a megalithic monument. 



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