Greek Structures > Greek Tombs

Ancient Greek Tombs

Ancient Greek tombs provide valuable insights into the funerary practices, social structures, and beliefs about the afterlife in ancient Greece. These tombs vary significantly in design, size, and complexity, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical contexts across different regions and periods.

Types of Ancient Greek Tombs

1. Tholos Tombs (Beehive Tombs):

   • Construction: Tholos tombs, also known as beehive tombs due to their circular, domed shape, were built during the Mycenaean period (circa 1600-1100 BCE). They were constructed with a series of increasingly smaller concentric rings of stone, creating a corbelled dome.
   • Example: The Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae is one of the most famous tholos tombs. It features a long entrance passage (dromos) leading to a large circular burial chamber.

2. Chamber Tombs:

   • Construction: Chamber tombs were rock-cut or built structures, often consisting of a rectangular or square chamber with an entrance passage. These tombs were used throughout the Mycenaean period and continued into later periods.
   • Example: The chamber tombs at Mycenae and Pylos typically have a simpler design than tholos tombs and were used for multiple burials over time.

3. Shaft Graves:

   • Construction: Shaft graves were deep rectangular pits dug into the ground, often lined with stone slabs. These graves were used primarily in the early Mycenaean period (circa 1600-1500 BCE) and were typically covered with a mound of earth.
   • Example: The Shaft Grave Circles A and B at Mycenae contain multiple burials, with the dead often accompanied by rich grave goods, including weapons, jewelry, and pottery.

4. Cist Graves:

   • Construction: Cist graves were small, rectangular stone-lined pits, often covered with stone slabs. These simple graves were used from the Bronze Age through the Classical period.
   • Example: Cist graves have been found in various locations, including the Cycladic islands and the Greek mainland.

5. Rock-Cut Tombs:

   • Construction: Rock-cut tombs were carved directly into natural rock faces or cliffs. These tombs became common in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, particularly in regions with suitable geology.
   • Example: The tombs at Lycia in modern-day Turkey are notable examples of rock-cut tombs, often featuring elaborate facades.

6. Sarcophagi and Monumental Tombs:

   • Construction: During the Classical and Hellenistic periods, wealthy individuals and prominent figures were often buried in elaborate sarcophagi or monumental tombs. These tombs could be free-standing structures or part of larger necropoleis (cemetery complexes).
   • Example: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a monumental tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap, and his wife, Artemisia.

Funerary Practices and Beliefs

1. Grave Goods:

   • Purpose: Grave goods were commonly placed with the deceased, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife and the status of the individual. These items included pottery, weapons, jewelry, and personal items.
   • Variation: The quantity and quality of grave goods varied widely depending on the period, region, and the social status of the deceased.

2. Rituals:

   • Burial Rites: Funerary practices included various rites such as prothesis (laying out the body), ekphora (funeral procession), and inhumation or cremation.
   • Commemoration: Tombs and graves were often marked with stelae (grave markers) or sculptures depicting the deceased, providing a focus for ongoing commemoration by family and community members.

3. Beliefs About the Afterlife:

   • Mythology: Greek mythology and literature provide rich sources of information about beliefs concerning the afterlife, including the journey to the underworld and the roles of gods like Hades and Persephone.
   • Elysium and Hades: The ancient Greeks believed in different realms of the afterlife, such as Elysium for the virtuous and Hades for ordinary mortals. Funerary practices and grave goods were intended to ensure a safe passage and a favorable existence in the afterlife.

Archaeological Insights

1. Excavations:

   • Discoveries: Archaeological excavations of tombs across Greece have uncovered a wealth of information about ancient Greek society, from the Mycenaean era through to the Hellenistic period.
   • Techniques: Modern archaeological techniques, including DNA analysis, isotopic studies, and advanced imaging, provide detailed insights into the health, diet, and mobility of ancient populations.

2. Cultural Variations:

   • Regional Differences: Variations in tomb construction and funerary practices reflect regional cultural differences and historical changes. For example, the Mycenaean tholos tombs differ significantly from the Classical period rock-cut tombs of Lycia.
   • Socioeconomic Insights: The richness and variety of grave goods offer clues about the social hierarchy, economic conditions, and cultural exchanges within and between ancient Greek communities.

Conclusion

Ancient Greek tombs are a testament to the complex beliefs, social structures, and artistic achievements of ancient Greek society. From the monumental tholos tombs of the Mycenaean kings to the more modest cist graves, these burial practices provide a window into the lives and deaths of the ancient Greeks. Through ongoing archaeological research and preservation efforts, we continue to uncover and understand the rich heritage of ancient Greek funerary traditions.

• Funerary naiskos of Aristonautes
• Grave Circle A, Mycenae
• Grave Circle B, Mycenae
• Heroon of Trysa
• Kasta Tomb
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• Mycenaean chamber tomb
• Stele of Aristion
• Treasury of Atreus

Sources