Shaft graves

Definition

Shaft graves are deep burial sites characterized by vertical shafts leading down to a grave chamber, commonly found in Mycenaean Greece. These graves typically contained rich grave goods, including metalwork, pottery, and frescoes, showcasing the wealth and status of the individuals buried within them. The elaborate nature of these burials reflects the social hierarchy and cultural practices of the Mycenaean civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shaft graves date back to around 1600-1500 BCE and were primarily discovered at the site of Mycenae, revealing insights into Mycenaean burial customs.
2. The wealth of grave goods found in shaft graves indicates a highly stratified society, where individuals of high status were buried with valuable items such as gold masks, jewelry, and weapons.
3. Shaft graves are often associated with royal burials, and they provide crucial evidence for understanding the political and social structure of the Mycenaean civilization.
4. Excavations of these graves have uncovered fine metalwork and intricate frescoes, highlighting the artistic skills and technological advancements of the Mycenaeans.
5. The discovery of shaft graves has significantly contributed to our knowledge of Mycenaean culture and its influences on later Greek civilization.

Review Questions

• How do shaft graves reflect the social hierarchy of Mycenaean society?
  • Shaft graves reflect the social hierarchy of Mycenaean society by demonstrating how wealth and status were closely linked to burial practices. The presence of rich grave goods in these burials suggests that individuals buried in shaft graves held significant power or influence within their communities. Additionally, the elaborate construction of these graves indicates a society that valued hierarchical structures, where elite members received distinct treatment even in death.
• Discuss the significance of grave goods found in shaft graves for understanding Mycenaean art and culture.
  • The grave goods found in shaft graves are significant for understanding Mycenaean art and culture because they showcase the craftsmanship, trade connections, and aesthetic values of this ancient civilization. Items such as finely crafted metalwork, pottery, and frescoes not only reflect artistic excellence but also provide insights into the daily life, religious beliefs, and social practices of the Mycenaeans. By studying these artifacts, historians can piece together a more comprehensive picture of Mycenaean society.
• Evaluate the impact that discoveries of shaft graves have had on our understanding of Mycenaean civilization's influence on later Greek cultures.
  • The discoveries of shaft graves have had a profound impact on our understanding of Mycenaean civilization's influence on later Greek cultures by revealing key aspects of their social organization, artistic traditions, and burial practices that persisted into classical Greece. The sophisticated metalwork and pottery found in these graves laid the groundwork for advancements in Greek art. Furthermore, the hierarchical structures suggested by these burial sites can be traced to similar practices seen in later city-states. This continuity illustrates how foundational aspects of Mycenaean culture were absorbed into classical Greek identity, influencing governance, art, and societal norms.

Related terms

Mycenaean civilization: An ancient Greek civilization that flourished during the late Bronze Age, known for its palatial states, architectural achievements, and extensive trade networks.

Grave goods: Items placed in a grave alongside the deceased, meant to accompany them in the afterlife, often reflecting their social status and lifestyle.

Tholos tombs: Beehive-shaped burial structures used by the Mycenaeans, often associated with elite individuals and marked by their monumental architecture.