Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Propontica, cilt.2, sa.4, ss.199-241, 2024 (TRDizin)
Antiseismic structures in antiquity are often overlooked or disputed by those
working in the field, even though they are not mentioned in written sources. At the
very least, it should be recognized that some of the traditional structures and building techniques of ancient cultures in Anatolia and surrounding regions were antiseismic before today’s concrete structures. In fact, these techniques were sometimes applied over a wide geographical area and sometimes in a narrower region, as
if under the control of a central government, administration or idea, and continue
to be used for a long time. Archaeological studies reveal that some construction
methods were widely used to support structures affected by dynamic loads. Such
methods were applied and developed by engineers, architects and artisans who
were fully aware of the effects of earthquakes on structures. Therefore, antiseismic
structures must have emerged due to awareness of earthquake hazards. Wood in
foundations and walls in Anatolia in the Bronze Ages, sand in Mesopotamia and
Egypt, sand, ash, coal and lime in Greek architecture, and opus caementicum in
Rome were applied in and under the foundation in more durable or long-lasting
building construction techniques. Undoubtedly, wood and wood foundations have
been known and used since the Bronze Age. Unfortunately, with the emergence
of new materials and technologies, the traditional architectural understanding of
Anatolia was almost wholly removed from construction practice. As in modern
constructions, in archaeological studies, attention is paid to the structures’ above-ground units, while the underground foundation sections are overlooked. Data
about the use of wood in the groundwork is sometimes discovered by chance. This
article demonstrates that the idea of loosening the bond between structure and
ground was known in ancient times. Although the technical solutions used in the
past match the principles of base insulation, it is arguable whether they are genuinely antiseismic as they are today.