chamber tombs

• What type of tomb was used from the 14th century to the end of the Mycenaean Age?

  Chamber tomb
• What is a chamber tomb?

  It is an underground cave-like tomb.
• Who was buried in chamber tombs?

  Wealthy people of high status
• Were chamber tombs re-used?

  Yes, they were used repeatedly over centuries.
• What do chamber tombs have in common with tholos tombs?

  Both have a dromos with a blocked entrance.
• How do chamber tombs differ from tholos tombs?

  Chamber tombs are dug horizontally; tholos are dug down.
• Which are more impressive, tholos tombs or chamber tombs?

  Tholos tombs are more impressive.
• Do chamber tombs have a dromos and a central burial chamber?

  Yes, they have a dromos and chamber.
• Would the entrance to the chamber have been sealed off?

  Yes, with stones rather than a door.
• What is bigger, a tholos tomb or a chamber tomb?

  A tholos tomb is bigger.
• Were burial gifts left in chamber tombs?

  Yes, vases and personal possessions were common.
• Do chamber tombs provide evidence of funerary feasting?

  No, goblets were smashed at the entrance.
• Did chamber tombs have corbelled roofs?

  No, only tholos tombs had corbelled roofs.
• What happened when a new burial was needed in a chamber tomb?

  Old bodies were pushed aside for new ones.
• What does Mylonas suggest about the Mycenaeans' treatment of tombs?

  They treated tombs as temporary storage for souls.
• Were repeat offerings made to the dead buried in chamber tombs?

  No, it was unlikely due to time constraints.
• Were chamber tombs marked?

  Yes, with a 'sema' marker for identification.
• What types of pottery figurines were left as funeral offerings in chamber tombs?

  Figurines of long-horned animals and chariots.
• What are the characteristics of chamber tombs?

  • Underground cave-like structure
  • Used from the 14th century to the end of the Mycenaean Age
  • Family tombs reused over centuries
  • Horizontal digging into earth or rock
  • Dromos leading to a central burial chamber
• What are the similarities and differences between chamber tombs and tholos tombs?

  Similarities:

  • Both have a dromos with a blocked entrance

  
  

  Differences:

  • Chamber tombs are dug horizontally; tholos tombs are dug down
  • Tholos tombs are generally larger and more impressive
  • Chamber tombs do not have corbelled roofs