Tholos Tombs

Definition

Tholos tombs are beehive-shaped burial structures built by the Mycenaeans during the Late Bronze Age, characterized by their large circular chambers covered by a corbelled dome. These impressive tombs reflect the advanced architectural skills of Mycenaean society and serve as significant indicators of their social stratification and funerary practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tholos tombs are primarily associated with elite burials, indicating the importance of social hierarchy in Mycenaean culture.
2. These tombs often contained rich grave goods, including pottery, jewelry, and weapons, reflecting the wealth and status of the deceased.
3. The largest and most famous tholos tomb is the 'Treasury of Atreus' at Mycenae, which features an impressive entrance and a massive dome over 13 meters high.
4. Tholos tombs were part of a broader funerary landscape that included other types of graves and burial practices within Mycenaean society.
5. The construction of tholos tombs demonstrates advanced engineering techniques and reflects the Mycenaeans' mastery over stone masonry.

Review Questions

• How do tholos tombs reflect the social hierarchy and burial practices in Mycenaean society?
  • Tholos tombs are significant as they primarily served as burial sites for the elite members of Mycenaean society, highlighting their importance in social hierarchy. The elaborate design and rich grave goods found within these tombs indicate not only wealth but also the cultural significance placed on proper burial practices. By examining the contents and locations of these tombs, we can gain insight into the values and beliefs surrounding death and status in Mycenaean culture.
• Discuss the architectural features of tholos tombs and their significance in understanding Mycenaean engineering.
  • Tholos tombs are characterized by their distinctive beehive shape and corbelled domes, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of Mycenaean builders. The use of corbel arches allowed for large interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity. These architectural innovations not only demonstrate technical prowess but also reflect the cultural emphasis on monumental constructions as a means to honor the dead and assert power among the living.
• Evaluate the role of tholos tombs in the broader context of Late Bronze Age burial customs across ancient civilizations.
  • Tholos tombs represent a unique aspect of Late Bronze Age burial customs that can be compared to other contemporary practices across various ancient civilizations. While similar monumental burial structures existed elsewhere, such as in Egypt or Mesopotamia, tholos tombs stand out due to their specific design and function within Mycenaean society. By analyzing these differences and similarities, we can better understand how cultures adapted their funerary practices to reflect their own beliefs about death, status, and community memory during this pivotal period in history.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization:

An ancient civilization that flourished in the Late Bronze Age in Greece, known for its palatial states, advanced architecture, and complex societal structure.

Grave Circles: Open areas where multiple graves were located, typically containing a range of burial types, including tholos tombs, used during the Mycenaean period.

Corbel Arch: A construction technique where each successive layer of stone projects slightly beyond the layer below it, allowing for the creation of dome-shaped ceilings like those found in tholos tombs.