Tomb types

What does the type of tomb used reflect?

The status and wealth of the body as well as the use of that type of tomb over a long period of time to indicate stability and continuity in the community, as well as burial customs and they give an indication of growing expertise in craftsmanship and their decline

What were cist graves?

These were the most basic tomb which increased in popularity towards the end of the Mycenaean Age (suggesting that the city was running out of money, space and building materials after repeatedly coming under attack). This was a shallow pit dug into the earth, lined with stones, then the body was placed into the tomb in a curved position due to the small size of the tomb. It was often used for multiple people - the earth would be redug and when a new body needed to be interred and then the earth was replaced in a mound; some bodies had fresh pits so not all bodies were buried in this way

What were shaft graves?

Grave circle B had 14 shaft graves, which were larger and deeper than cist graves, so they were reserved for the more important members of the city. They typically were 2.5 metres deep and were spacious enough to fit the body lying on its back alongside several burial objects. The chamber had low rubble walls beneath a roof held up with supports on a ledge

What were tholos tombs?

Originate from the 14th century and built for only the most important members of society such as the king due to their large size - it took a significant amount of time, expense and manpower to build (some kings even started building their tomb before they died!). A dromos was built with an elevated slope in front of the tomb as an entrance with extensive decoration. The high roofed dome was dug from the top of the hill downwards

What was a chamber tomb?

Another expensive tomb but used for less wealthy nobles. Built from rock unlike the other tombs, and multiple people were usually placed inside, each in their own side chamber (which suggests that they were family tombs). They also had a dromos with a wall of stones to block the entrance and stop thieves from stealing the burial goods

What does the increase in popularity of cist graves suggest?

That there was a decline in prosperity in the Mycenaean Age as less money became available to spend on tombs and graves, so smaller, simpler ones were built instead