Early Roman imperial burials from Hyampolis, East Phocis

Original title: Tαφές των Πρώιμων Αυτοκρατορικών Χρόνων από την Υάμπολη στην ανατολική Φωκίδα

Abstract This paper presents a group of Early Roman Imperial burials investigated in the course of a smallscale rescue excavation by IΔ’ ΕΠΚΑ on the site of ancient Hyampolis, in eastern Phocis. The tombs are located immediately southwest of the south gate of the acropolis and in the area where previous excavations brought to light evidence of the Classical and Hellenistic cemeteries of this Phocian city. Four tombs were simple pits dug into the natural bedrock, and as far as recognisable, some were provided with tile covers. One probable amphora burial and two pits (tombs I and II) were fully excavated. The pits had been used for consecutive inhumations, the latest consisting of child burials. Based on the associated finds, the last burial in tomb I occurred in the third quarter of the 1^st century A.D., while that in tomb II can be dated to the end of the first or the early decades of the 2^nd century A.D. Despite the small area investigated, the existence of these tombs on the southern slopes of the acropolis and in the area of the Classical and Hellenistic cemeteries points to the continuous use of the necropolis outside the old fortification walls well into the Early Roman period.

Keywords Hyampolis, burials, Early Roman Imperial, necropoleis, burial customs