Early Burials from the Agora Cemeteries

By (author) Sara A. Immerwahr

Book cover: Early Burials from the Agora Cemeteries

Extent: 32, 32 pages

Publisher: American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Subjects: Classical Studies, Mediterranean Archaeology

Series: Agora Picture Book

Series volume number: 13

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(January 1973)

ISBN: 9780876616130

5.47 x 8.46 inches

Price: $4.95

In stock

The three types of inscription from the Athenian Agora presented in this volume are all concerned with important civic matters. The three main sections of the book are followed by combined concordances and indices, with photographs of all stones not previously published.


Before the creation of the Agora as a civic center in the 7th century B.C., the region northwest of the Acropolis was a vast cemetery. Over 150 ancient burial places have been found by excavators, and a few of the more remarkable are described here. These range from a wealthy Mycenaean chamber tomb, filled with the vases and jewelry of a rich noblewoman, to the poignant pithos burial of an infant from around 725 B.C., accompanied by eight tiny vases. As well as describing the assemblages found, the author discusses the symbolism of funeral rites and the information about social status and identity that burials reveal.

  • By (author) Sara A. Immerwahr