Dictionary of Greek and Roman geography . o the same period as the monuments ofIMycenae. Even if it does not belong to so early adate, but is a genuine Hellenic work, it would esta-blish the fact that the Greeks were acquainted withthe use of the concentric arch at a very early period;whereas it has been usually supposed that it wasnot known to them till the time of Alexander theGreat. The general appearance and character ofthis structure will be best seen from the annexeddrawing taken from JIure. The masonry is of thepolygonal species: the largest stones are those of thearch, some of which ar
Dictionary of Greek and Roman geography . o the same period as the monuments ofIMycenae. Even if it does not belong to so early adate, but is a genuine Hellenic work, it would esta-blish the fact that the Greeks were acquainted withthe use of the concentric arch at a very early period;whereas it has been usually supposed that it wasnot known to them till the time of Alexander theGreat. The general appearance and character ofthis structure will be best seen from the annexeddrawing taken from JIure. The masonry is of thepolygonal species: the largest stones are those of thearch, some of which are from four to five feet long,from two to three in breadth, and between one andtwo in thickness. From the character of the struc-ture, and from its remote situation, ]!ilure concludesthat it cannot be a Roman work; and there arestrong reasons for believing that the Greeks wereacquainted with the use of the arch at a muchearlier period than has been usually supposed.(Mure, vol. ii. p. 247, seq.; comp. Leake, Pelopon-nesiaca, p. 116, seq.). BRIDGE OF XEUOKASIPO. There are no other plains in Laconia except thethree above mentioned in the valley of the Eurotas;but on the slopes of the mountains, especially onthose of Parnon, there is a considerable quantity ofarable as well as pasture ground. The whole areaof Laconia is computed to contain 1896 Englishsquare miles. IV. History. The political history of the country forms aprominent part of Grecian history, and cannot benarrated in this place at sufficient length to be ofvalue to the student. But as the boundaries ofLaconia differed considerably at various periods,it is necessary to mention briefly those facts in thehistory of the country which produced those changes. It will be seen from the preceding description ofthe physical features of Laconia, that the plainof Sparta forms the very kernel and heart of thecountry. Accordingly, it was at all times the seatof the ruling class ; and from it the whole countryreceived its appellation
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