What funerary practice involved gold objects placed in mouths?

Question

Accepted Answer

Gold Objects in Mouths as a Funerary Practice

Archaeologists have uncovered a funerary practice involving the placement of gold objects within the mouths of individuals in nearly 2,000-year-old tombs discovered at Marina El-Alamein, Egypt. This practice is understood to be linked to ancient beliefs concerning the afterlife.
Discovery at Marina El-Alamein

During recent excavations at Marina El-Alamein, located approximately 100 kilometres west of Alexandria, archaeologists unearthed 18 Greco-Roman tombs. These tombs date back nearly two millennia, with some burial chambers retaining their original stone blocking slabs. The discovery of a granite sarcophagus with an intact lid further suggests that several graves remained sealed for almost 2,000 years.
Funerary Finds and Beliefs

Within these sealed tombs, human remains were found alongside various funerary objects, including pottery and amphorae. A particularly significant finding was the presence of 24 gold objects discovered placed inside the mouths of several individuals. This specific burial custom is interpreted by researchers as being connected to the ancient inhabitants' conceptions of the afterlife and the journey beyond death.
Historical Context of the Site

The site of Marina El-Alamein is believed to be the location of Leukaspis, an ancient Mediterranean port that experienced prosperity across the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods. The ongoing excavations at this location have increased the total number of known tombs to 44 since the site was first identified in 1986. This ongoing work contributes to a deeper understanding of the region's historical burial customs and societal beliefs.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What funerary practice involved gold objects placed in mouths?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends