Grave Monuments, Funerary Representation and Social Stratification in Hellenistic Times

In accordance with the main goals of the project NekroPergEol, this paper estimates variations in the necropoleis of the Hellenistic centre of Pergamon and smaller cities in the region. The preservation of the necropoleis of Pergamon, with some extraordinary tumuli and chamber tombs, is very patchy, while the survey of the ample necropolis of Aiolian Aigai allows to trace the local burial traditions in a diachronic perspective. Thus, the development of Hellenistic grave types and their social interpretation in relation to other cities in the region becomes more feasible.

In the process, we evaluate and confront the necropoleis of inland and coastal cities on the one hand, and on the other hand we contrast the necropoleis of cities in the southern Aiolis with the necropoleis of cities in the northern Aiolis. Preliminary results show the persistent particularity in burial practices in the region. Not only do grave monuments and grave markers show local peculiarities, but also the burials and grave contents seem to follow local patterns.

Keywords:

Aiolis, funerary monuments, funerary representation, social stratification, Hellenism