In the course of his excavations Evans uncovered a number of sets of multiple doors, which have come to be known as polythyrons or pier-and-door partitions. Essentially, these consist of a series of openings framed by square-sectioned wooden piers. Each wooden door is double-leafed and designed so that the two leaves fit into reveals on either side of the partition. They are not hinged but rather turn in sockets in the stone threshold and wooden lintel.

The standard interpretation is that they were purely functional and used in much the same way as shuttered windows, to create privacy and to let in fresh air and light or to keep it out, as the case may be. There were quite a