Tholus

A tholus (from ancient Greek θόλος thólos, meaning "dome," "vault," or "circular building") is a general term for a dome-shaped structure, primarily used in architecture and planetary science.

Etymology The term derives directly from the Ancient Greek word θόλος, which referred to a circular building, often with a conical or domed roof.

Usage

• Architecture

  • Classical Antiquity: In ancient Greek and Roman architecture, a tholus refers to a circular building, typically a temple or monumental structure, with a conical or domed roof. Notable examples include the Tholos of Delphi and the Tholos of Epidauros, both circular temples. It differs from the broader concept of a "rotunda" by specifically emphasizing the domed or conical roof.
  • Mycenaean Architecture: The term is also used to describe a specific type of Mycenaean tomb known as a "tholos tomb" or "beehive tomb." These are large, circular, corbel-vaulted burial chambers, often partially excavated into a hillside, characterized by their distinctive dome-like structure built from carefully cut and fitted stones. The most famous example is the "Treasury of Atreus" at Mycenae.

• Planetary Science: In planetary geology and nomenclature, "tholus" is a descriptor used for certain geographical features on other celestial bodies, particularly Mars and Venus. It designates a small, dome-shaped mountain or volcano with relatively steep slopes. These features are generally smaller than montes (large mountains) or paterae (scalloped-edged volcanoes). Examples include Pavonis Tholus and Arsia Tholus on Mars.

See Also

• Rotunda
• Dome
• Mycenaean civilization
• Volcano (planetary nomenclature)