Architectural development and typology of mycenaean Tholos Tomb monuments

In this thesis, the architectural form that would precisely counterpart the concept of Mycenaean Tholos Tomb Monument is researched and analyses of Mycenaean Tholos Tombs and assessment of their typological characteristics are made. Until recently, the number of Tholos Tombs which are found in Mainland Greece in a definable condition, was only 115. As a result of the recent studies, this number increased to 139. The island of Crete is the second among the regions where Tholos Tombs are found densely, after Mainland Greece where the tombs are being centered. Likewise, Mycenaean Tholos Tomb Monuments have been identified in the Cyclades, Ionian Islands and in Anatolia as well. In the first part of the thesis, which consists of II main parts; The tombs' sections, characteristic features, construction techniques and materials used in construction are discussed. In the second part, the topics such as: Particular views of scholars about the origin and the development of Tholos Tombs; A detailed inquiry on the distribution of tombs in Messenia Region and Crete, in relation to the distribution of tombs regionally; To whom or which people the tombs belonged; Reuse of the tombs and mortuary cult practices which took place in these tombs, are being addressed. And finally, the influence of Mycenaean Tholos Tombs which is reflected on the following periods is discussed. Key Words: Tholos, Mycenaean Tomb, Tholos Tomb Architecture, Dromos, Stomion, Corbel Dome.