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Lerna

Province:

Argolida

Destination type:

Archaeological site

About

The archaeological site of Lerna is located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, near the village of Myloi which is about 4 kilometers inland from the Gulf of Argolis. It is renowned for its significance in the study of ancient Greek civilization, particularly the Bronze Age.

The site of Lerna is famous for its importance in understanding the Bronze Age civilization of Greece. One of the most significant discoveries at Lerna was the so-called "House of the Tiles" or "House of Tiles," which was excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. This structure dates back to the Early Helladic period (circa 2500–2000 BCE) and is considered one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in Greece. It is named after the large number of terracotta tiles found within its remains. These tiles were used for roofing and were discovered scattered throughout the structure.

The architecture of the House of the Tiles is notable for its complexity compared to contemporary buildings of the time. It consisted of multiple rooms arranged around a central courtyard, suggesting a level of sophistication in urban planning and construction techniques. The purpose of the building is believed to have been residential, possibly serving as the dwelling of a wealthy individual or a ruling elite.

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