Classical Civilisation - Archaeology - Tombs, Graves, Burial and Prescribed Sources

What is a cist grave?

• Basic, used before and during Mycenaean age

• Small pit dug in earth, sides covered in stone, bottom covered for body to lie on

• Later grouped together

What are shaft graves?

• Larger than cist graves, shaft around 2.5m down

• Chamber built at bottom, body laid

• Often multiple burials

• Stele, grave goods alongside

What are tholos tombs?

• Mound excavated into hill

• Doorway added and levelled, above was a dromos (walkway)

• Body added

• Decorated, likely for the rich and powerful due to size and expense

What was a chamber tomb?

• For less important nobles

• Built into wall, not stone

• Possible family tombs as multiple burials possible

How are chamber tombs similar and different to tholoi?

Similar:

• Dromos

• Something blocks entrance

• Side chamber for other burials

Different:

• Dug out of earth

• Used for much longer

• Multiple occupants

What two types of graves have been found at Mycenae?

Grave Circles with shaft and markers, tholos

What do we know about the Lion Dagger (date, material, location, significance)

Date: c. 16th century

Material: Gold, silver, niello

Original location: Grave Circle A

Significance: Ornamental/ritual, hunting customs

What do we know about the fresco of the Mycenaean woman?

Date: c. 13th century

Material: Plaster

Location: Mycenaean Acropolis

Significance: Contemporary fashion in Mycenae

What do we know about the Gold Death Mask of Agamemnon?

Date: c. 16th century

Material: Gold

Location: Grave V of Grave Circle A

Significance: Power and wealth of the rich

What do we know about the Wooden Hexagonal Pyxis?

Date: 16th century BCE

Material: Wood and gold

Location: Grave Circle A, Grave V

Significance: Shows significance of hunting to Mycenaeans

What do we know about the Lion Head Rhyton?

Date: 16th century

Material: Gold

Location: Grave Circle A

Significance: Expensive, showing off, shows way of life

What do we know about the Warrior Vase?

Date: 13th-12th century BCE

Material: Pottery/ceramic

Location: Mycenaean Acropolis

Significance: Shows methods of battle Mycenaeans engaged in