Location and terminology Dry stone

mosaic embedded in dry stone wall in italian switzerland

similar walls found in swiss-italian border region, used enclose open space under large natural boulders or outcrops.

the higher-lying rock-rich fields , pastures in bohemia s south-western border range of Šumava (e.g. around mountain river of vydra) lined dry stone walls built of field-stones removed arable or cultural land. serve both cattle/sheep fences , lot s borders. dry stone terracing apparent, combined parts of stone masonry (house foundations , shed walls) held clay-cum-needles composite mortar.

great zimbabwe ruined city in south-eastern hills of zimbabwe, near lake mutirikwe , town of masvingo. capital of kingdom of zimbabwe during country s late iron age. construction on monument began in 11th century , continued until 15th century. exact identity of great zimbabwe builders @ present unknown, , various theories have been proposed these masons may have been. stone city spans area of 722 hectares (1,780 acres) which, @ peak, have housed 18,000 people. recognised world heritage site unesco.

in peru in 15th century ad, inca made use of otherwise unusable slopes building dry stone walls create terraces. employed mode of construction freestanding walls. ashlar type construction in machu picchu uses classic inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls of regular shape. incas masters of technique, in blocks of stone cut fit tightly without mortar. many junctions perfect not knife fits between stones. structures have persisted in high earthquake region because of flexibility of walls , in double wall architecture, 2 portions of walls incline each other.