The Idea of ‘Loosening the Bond Between Ground and Structure’ in Antiquity and Archaeological Evidence on Antiseismic Foundations

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.