Aristocrat warriors in ancient Greece were given “best” spots in cemeteries
September 19th, 2009 - 5:12 pm ICT by ANIAthens, September 19 (ANI): Based on findings unearthed at a necropolis in Greece, archaeologists have determined that distinguished citizens, like aristocrat warriors, in ancient times were given the “best” spots in pre-Classical cemeteries.
The excavations, conducted by the 17th ephorate of prehistoric and classical antiquities, focused on 50 tombs in the western cemetery of the ancient settlement.
According to a report by Athens News Agency, ten of the 24 tombs, dated to the Archaic Period (580-480 BC), are believed to have belonged to aristocrat warriors.
Based on the findings, the specific tombs are positioned along two paths that crossed each other, confirming that the “best” spots in pre-Classical cemeteries were reserved for the tombs of the wealthy and members of the aristocrat class.
Moreover, the deceased were buried based on their social class while members of the same family were buried close to each other, forming clusters dating back to the second half of the 7th century BC (late Iron Age) and even down to the early Hellenistic era.
Based on the findings, archaeologists believe the advance of the Macedon kingdom to the Axios River region had taken place much earlier than anticipated and not after the Persian Wars, as maintained by most archeologists until recently.
More robust trading and evident prosperity comes from evidence dated to just after the reign of King Alcetas (early fifth century BC) with the population having increased access to luxury items as a result of trade relations forged with numerous states in the Mediterranean Basin. (ANI)
- Lost Mayan city discovered under Guatemala rain forest - Apr 28, 2011
- 2,700-year-old tomb found in Mexico - May 18, 2010
- 2,000 years old tomb found in China - Nov 24, 2011
- 2,000 years old Xi'an tomb unearthed to study Western Han Dynasty - Apr 09, 2011
- 2,000-year-old temple ruins found in Syria - Dec 12, 2010
- 2,300-year-old Maya ruins destroyed for private ranch - Dec 05, 2010
- Christianity in Egypt started 200 years earlier than thought - Nov 30, 2010
- Pagan burial altar unearthed in Israel - May 29, 2010
- 2,500-year-old tomb found in China - Apr 24, 2012
- Rare 1,100-year-old murals on display in China - Jun 21, 2011
- Kazakh archaeologists discover grave of 'The Sun Lord' - Jul 20, 2010
- Colourful ancient tombs unearthed in Egypt - Jul 08, 2010
- Ancient town found in Myanmar - Nov 28, 2010
- 2,800-year-old monument found in Mexico - Jul 27, 2011
- Over 100 ancient tombs found in Chinese town - Jun 27, 2011
Tags: ancient greece, ancient settlement, archaeologists, archaic period, archeologists, athens news agency, axios, classical antiquities, excavations, fifth century, hellenistic era, iron age, luxury items, macedon, mediterranean basin, necropolis, persian wars, tombs, two paths, western cemetery