The Representation of Pyre in the Greek and Roman Arts

محمد مصطفي حافظ, أسماء إسماعيل

doi:10.21608/mjthr.2023.228481.1109

The Representation of Pyre in the Greek and Roman Arts

Document Type : Original Article

Author

أسماء إسماعيل محمد مصطفي حافظ

١٢ ش النصر سموحه جرين بلازا عماره ٩ الدور السادس

10.21608/mjthr.2023.228481.1109

Abstract

Cremation was known in Syria and Palestine in the Stone Age, as well as the usage of pottery in preserving the deceased ashes. It seems that these rites were transformed from Syria and Palestine into Anatolia throughout the 15th century BC; same period of the spreading of cremation to the Mycenaean Civilization, and especially to the Aegean Islands. Anatolia is considered the main hub for spreading the concept of cremation in the Middle Bronze Age, in cities like Karabuk, Kaniz and Dilkaya. The oldest graves were found in the Alicia tomb, as many were put into urns. As for mythical examples related to cremation, they are represented through Herakles, Hibi, Dionysus, Medea and Demeter. Each had tried to immortalize their offspring by letting them go through the fires to be purified) Tomorad, 2009,28-12 (The Greek civilization was influenced by the Cretan Civilization in the middle of the second millennium BC, where people were too concerned with their dead in a way close to worshipping. The dead were buried in pottery sarcophagi or large jars. Food and tools were put alongside to help the dead in their afterlife. People used to visit their dead in certain occasions and pray to their gods for the deceased to rest in peace.

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