Geoarchaeology of an Early Mycenaean Tumulus and Mortuary Practices at Eleon, Greece

Abstract

From a geoarchaeology and soil micromorphology perspective, mound-type structures, including tumuli, in the Americas are the best studied in terms of understanding the details of stratigraphy that have revealed their construction phases, fill materials, and social meanings. This study extends these approaches and perspectives to the ancient Mediterranean and the particular case of Eleon in Greece during the late Middle Helladic to Late Helladic (LH) I period (c. 1700–1550 B.C.E.)—the first such study in an Aegean Bronze Age (c. 3000–1050 B.C.E.) context. Investigations of a low tumulus and associated built chamber tomb (Tomb 5) reveal the building materials and techniques, ritual activities related to the tumulus construction, and the multi-generational reopening, use, and maintenance of Tomb 5. Furthermore, sediment characteristics and features preserve environmental conditions influencing site formation and preservation of the burial complex and associated remains. This research advances geoarchaeology and soil micromorphology for understanding mortuary practices and rituals, as well as socio-cultural processes, such as the shaping and transfer of collective identity and memory, across time and space.