Megaron
![]() |
The Queen's Megaron of the Palace of Knossos, Crete includes a fresco of dolphins. This is a modern reproduction of artwork that dates between approximately 1700-1450 BCE. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A megaron is a rectangular room with a central hearth. It is sometimes referred to as a long room or large room, and in some instances it is surrounded by other rooms that serve different practical purposes (such as living quarters, offices, workshops, storerooms and so on).
[edit] History
The megaron (or the plural, megara) is a great hall most commonly associated with architecture in ancient Greece. They have also been found in the Middle East. The space was often used for sacrificial purposes and processions as well as royal functions and court meetings.
Its origins go back to Mycenaeon times, when it may have been used for similar purposes as the Doric temple. Some megara have been found inside Classical temples. While it was typically associated with palaces, megara have also been found in domestic dwellings.
[edit] Characteristics
Most megara are constructed in the same manner. With beams supporting the roof, these rectangular rooms are accessible through a columned porch; their entrances are typically situated on the short wall so they are deeper than their width.
At the centre is a hearth, which is also supported by columns. Above the hearth is an oculus which allows smoke to escape.
The mud walls were sometimes decorated with frescos, and the floors were patterned concrete. Royal megara often housed thrones.
Variations amongst different Greek cultures have been found. For instance, the mainland magara were often separated from other rooms while magara found on the island of Crete incorporated other rooms around the central megaron.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.