Page:History of Art in Primitive Greece - Mycenian Art Vol 1.djvu/323

298 Primitive Greece: Mycenian Art. a ravine, at the bottom of which winds the bed of the Chavos, which IS nearly dry during the greater part of the year, because it is only fed by the fountain Perseia ; it rises about half-a-mile north-east of the citadel, 291 metres above sea-level. In the rainy season the Kokoretza, or north ravine, becomes for awhile a roaring torrent, leaving behind a mass of sand and pebbles, and the rocky walls on either side as gloomy and destitute of trees or herbage as before (Fig. 89). The first warlike tribe that fixed here its abode could not but have noticed the natural advantages of its situation. "Argolis," says Homer, *'is very thirsty";^ and the epithet applies to it with equal force at the present day. It has no gushing springs except on the narrow strip stretching between the sea and the mountains along the western coast of the bay. In summer, save when Zeus sends rain, no water is seen in any of the rivers, not even the Inachus. In such a region the possession of a perennial spring whose waters could be conveyed to the foot of the citadel and up the sides of the Cephisus valley, for irrigation purposes, must have been an inestimable boon (Fig. 90). The tongue of land along which must have passed the aqueduct, to reach the rugged cliff turning its northern side, could be easily barred by a fortifi- cation wall ; on its narrow crest, moreover, the enemy could scarcely have found room to station himself. On every other side the citadel hill is almost completely isolated, whilst if crowned by walls, the north and south faces could defy any attempt at scaling- them. The only accessible point along the whole perimeter occurs on the western side, where the space parting the two ravines is somewhat broader ; where, too, the cliff dips more gradually. To ensure complete security, fortification works would be wanted, especially on this side ; for granting that a city should rise under the protection of the fortress, this region alone would furnish space enough for commodious houses, broad streets, and gardens. The creation of wealth would awake the desire to guard the abodes both of the living and the dead against sudden aggressions. The town would then be surrounded by a wall, which henceforth would act as an advanced post, whilst its mass would cover the weak portions of the fortress defences. The founders of the Mycenian castle were not slow in availing themselves of the indications presented by the configuration ^ Jliad^ iv. 171 : iroXvdiyj/ioi' "Apyoc