Prehistoric Greek Roof Tiles

Abstract The existence of terracotta roof tiles in prehistoric Greece has been the subject of some controversy. Pieces which resemble Archaic Corinthian pan tiles and Laconian cover tiles, or, more closely, their counterparts in Italy and Asia Minor, have been found in clear prehistoric contexts, but generally in circumstances of supposed secondary use, such as in graves or drains, rather than associated with architecture. In addition, the known examples are relatively few, suggesting that the practice was never common, if roofing with tiles can be proved to have existed at all. Lack of uniformity in size, even among pieces from the same site, has been cited as a factor which would preclude their use on a roof, demanding an excessive amount of overlapping, and making them awkward to lay and to cover. Generally, flat tiles could be laid like fish-scales, while curved tiles could be used by themselves to function as both pan and cover, laying them alternately concave and convex, or as convex cover tiles protecting the joints between two flat pan tiles with upturned side borders.