famous Swoosh that adorns Nike products.
Fig 21 shows one of the Roman arches nearby
Ephesus. While Roman brick is large and thin,
clearly the volume of mortar is greater than what
would be used to build a modern-day masonry
arch.
Other amazing historical sites near Ephesus are
the House of Virgin Mary, site of the Artemis Temple,
the Basilica of St John, and more. All masonry
structures!
Moving south toward the Mediterranean Sea, we
come to ANTALYA (4 on map). Antalya is now a
resort area and the regional center of numerous
historic sites. Founded in the second century BC,
it too has Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman
influences.
Masonry Design | 63
This is a common
technique used
throughout the
world including the
United States. However,
many of the
joints are “flexible”;
the stones are intended
to rock and
absorb some of the
seismic force during
an earthquake.
Everywhere you
turn in Ephesus is
16.
17.
a mason’s dream. Fig 18 shows part of the amphitheater
that seats 22,500. The construction is
brick and Roman concrete; a major reconstruction
and restoration is underway. The tourists in
the foreground are on the “stage”. The stones
to the right are the remains of the stage house.
Even in the open air, a speaker on stage can be
heard in every seat.
Stone construction served many purposes in ancient
times. No explanation is needed for Fig 19.
The wealthy often paid someone or had a slave
“warm the seat” for them before they arrived.
Fig 20 is an amazing carving of the Greek Goddess
of Victory, Nike, and the inspiration for the
18.
19.
20.
21.