The Gordion Excavations, 1950-1973: Final Reports Volume II; The Lesser Phrygian Tumuli Part 2 The Cremations

The excavation report for 12 cremation burials from the Phrygian site of Gordion in central Anatolia, dating from the later seventh century to the third quarter of the 6th century BCE, is included in this volume. The processes for interment and cremation procedures are carefully detailed, and an analysis of associated finds is provided. Two tumuli of the Hellenistic period are also included, and a discussion of the contemporary inhumation and cremation tumulus burials at Gordion is included. The tumuli provide insights into gender, religion, adult/child identity, trade, social status, ethnicity, transcultural affiliations, ceramic developments, jewelry manufacture, high-status artifact display, feasting behaviors, animal sacrifice, hero cult, and widespread killing of artifacts associated with the cremation burials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 792 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: University Museum Publications

The University Museum conducted excavations at the Phrygian site of Gordion in central Anatolia between 1950 and 1969, uncovering 12 cremation burials dating from the later seventh century to the third quarter of the 6th century BCE. These tombs were excavated by The University Museum and the German brothers Alfred and Gustav Körte in 1900. The excavation report meticulously details the processes involved in interment, including the construction of tumuli and the cremation procedure. It also analyzes the associated finds, which include stone chambers with inhumation burials.

Two tumuli from the Hellenistic period, both containing stone chambers with inhumation burials, are included as an appendix. Additional appendices discuss other specific materials excavated from the cremation burials. The conclusion explores the contemporary inhumation and cremation tumulus burials at Gordion during the Phrygian period, highlighting their continuities and significant differences. It also discusses sociocultural developments at Gordion between ca. 650-525 BCE, as illuminated by the mortuary remains.

The tumuli provide valuable insights into various aspects of ancient society, including gender, religion, adult/child identity, trade, social status, ethnicity, transcultural affiliations, ceramic developments, jewelry manufacture, high-status artifact display (including ivory), feasting behaviors, animal sacrifice, hero cult, and widespread killing of artifacts associated with the cremation burials.

This publication represents a significant contribution to our understanding of Gordion and the Phrygian period, and it will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the field of ancient history, archaeology, and cultural anthropology.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949057157