The long life of pithos burials during the Proto- and Neo-palatial period in Crete
Pithoi and larnakes became quite common for inhumation burials at the beginning of 2nd millennium BC (MM IA) on Crete, placed either in built tombs or found in “proper” cemeteries. Following the construction of the palaces (MM IB), one can observe a general decline of tomb construction and cemeterie...
Saved in:
| In: | URI:https://journals.openedition.org/bch, |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article ou chapitre numérique |
| Language: | Anglais |
| Published: |
Bulletin de correspondance hellénique
2026
|
| Online Access: | Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM |
| Summary: | Pithoi and larnakes became quite common for inhumation burials at the beginning of 2nd millennium BC (MM IA) on Crete, placed either in built tombs or found in “proper” cemeteries. Following the construction of the palaces (MM IB), one can observe a general decline of tomb construction and cemeteries, as well as a different strategy concerning mortuary representation and funerary behaviour. The aim of the paper is to discuss changes and regional variation of funerary practices on Crete during the two palatial periods, with special attention to pithos burials and cemeteries. Pithos burials offer a special view to understand the different mortuary behaviours: on the one hand extramural pithos cemeteries remain quite extraordinary in the island, while on the other one pithos burials appear always within funerary contexts where corporate aspects and collective rituals were brought together in line with a communal ethos. |
|---|