The Necropolis of Aigai. Archaeology of an Exceptional Funerary Landscape

The Aeolian city of Aigai is surrounded by necropolises that were used throughout its history, from the 7th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The largest of these is the north-eastern necropolis, which covers almost 20 hectares. Since 2015, this necropolis has been the subject of an international research programme in the framework of the Aigai Archaeological Mission. Systematic surveys, new excavations and the study of previous excavations allow us to give an initial assessment of the topographical evolution of this exceptional funerary landscape. Several phases of development can be distinguished, during which the centre of the necropolis progressively moves from the south-eastern slopes of the hill, which look towards Lydia, to the north-western slopes, which overlook the road to Gryneion and Pergamon. We can also propose a typology of funerary monuments, from the Orientalising tumuli to the Hellenistic and Roman funerary terraces. Finally, the funerary space is structured by a network of roads and extra-urban sanctuaries that determine its organisation.

Keywords:

necropolis, Aigai, funerary landscape, tomb monuments, survey