The Lion Gate, Mycenae, Greece, 2017.10.15
The Lion Gate, Mycenae, Greece, 2017.10.15.
Nikon D7200, 12-24mm f/4G lens @24mm f/8, aperture priority. Minor edit in post for contrast, saturation, and shadow detail.

"The gate represents a combination of Cyclopean construction and ashlar masonry. Cyclopean construction is a form of megalithic architecture, or building with very large stones. Ashlar masonry is simply an organized way of laying out square/rectangular cut stones in a regular manner. The opening for the gate is about ten feet by ten feet and utilizes a post and lintel system, where a single stone crosses over the doorway supported by stones on either side. Above the lintel is an area called the “relieving triangle” because it is typically filled with a lighter stone or some other material to take pressure off of the lintel. It is in this area that the actual carving of the lions sits even though it still weighs nearly two tons."

— "Lion Gate", Brown University