Ancient Cemetery

Location:

• The Ancient Cemetery of Paros is situated at the port of Parikia, aligning with the coastal street. This archaeological site holds historical significance, providing insights into the ancient burial practices of Paros.

Historical Periods:

• The cemetery has a broad historical timeline, spanning from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD. It was actively used for burials during various periods, offering a glimpse into the evolving practices over the centuries.

Types of Burials:

• The site reveals a diverse range of burial practices. Given the high child mortality rates in ancient times, the cemetery features numerous child burials. These can be observed in cubical graves, pot burials (children placed in pots), and marble sarcophagi. The prevalence of child burials underscores the challenges faced by communities in ancient Paros.

Time Periods Represented:

• The majority of the tombs at the Ancient Cemetery of Paros date back to the second half of the 7th century BC. Specific constructions, such as a rectangular mass grave from the 8th century BC, provide valuable insights into burial customs of that era. The cemetery also yielded artifacts from the Geometric period, including a mass grave with about one hundred pots discovered in 2000.

Significant Findings:

1. Rectangular Construction (Mass Grave – 8th Century BC):
   • A rectangular construction, measuring 7×1.20 meters, was identified as a mass grave dating back to the 8th century BC. The grave contained approximately thirty amphorae arranged in a row, each holding cremation remains. Some amphorae were covered by smaller pots like skyphoi or kylikes.
2. Second Mass Grave (Geometric Period – 2000 Excavations):
   • Excavations in 2000 revealed a second mass grave from the Geometric period. This grave contained about one hundred pots, shedding light on burial practices during that specific historical period.
3. Headstone from Archaic Times:
   • A monumental headstone, standing at a height of 3 meters, was discovered in front of the mass grave. Dating back to the archaic times, this headstone likely commemorates a significant event or victory, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the site.
4. Regular Burials and Cremation Memorials (5th Century BC):
   • The cemetery features regular burials found in tombs constructed of tiles. Cremation memorials from the 5th century BC reveal a practice where ashes were placed in marble pots, sealed with marble covers, some of which were inscribed with the name of the deceased.

The Ancient Cemetery of Paros serves as a testament to the burial customs, societal practices, and cultural evolution on the island across different historical periods. The archaeological findings contribute to our understanding of Paros’ rich history and funerary traditions.