dome: Early Domes

The earliest domes were probably roofed primitive huts and consisted of bent-over branches plastered with mud. Another primitive form, called a beehive dome, is constructed of concentric rings of corbeled stones and has a conical shape. Ancient examples have been found in the tombs of Mycenae and can also still be seen in the folk architecture of Sicily. Although there is evidence of widespread knowledge of the dome, its early use was apparently restricted to small structures built of mud brick.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Outstanding Domes
• Modern Domes
• Renaissance Refinements
• Roman and Byzantine Domes
• Early Domes
• Bibliography

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