New Findings on the Burial Traditions of the Carian Chersonese: A Podium Tomb from the Necropolis of Amos

Abstract

Amos, located on a hill known as Asarcık, approximately 25 km south of Marmaris, is a fortified hilltop settlement. Current archaeological evidence reveals that the history of the city dates back to the 10^th century BC. Amos first appears in historical records in the 5^th century BC and, as a member of the Delian League, was recorded on the Athenian Tribute Lists in 428 BC. Having been a part of Rhodian Peraia since the 4^th century BC, Amos entered the socio-cultural and political sphere of influence of Rhodes. The Karian Chersonesos (Bozburun Peninsula), which forms the core of Rhodian Peraia developed a unique culture during this period. The most recent data regarding this unique culture, which is most clearly evident in burial customs, was obtained during the excavations conducted at Amos in 2020. As a result of the excavations carried out in a family tomb in the Amos Necropolis, significant findings regarding the funerary traditions of the Karian Chersonesos have been reached. This study represents the first scientific tomb excavation conducted in the Karian Chersonesos and provides the most concrete evidence regarding the region’s funerary traditions. Both cremation and inhumation burials coexist within the tomb, which contains ten burial plots. For cremation burials, ostothekoi and urn containers were used. Along with unguentaria left as grave offerings, numerous coins reflecting the tradition of Charon’s obol were recovered. The tomb constructed in the 3^rd century BC, remained in use until the 3^rd century AD. This article aims to provide a new and tangible contribution to the burial customs of not only Amos but also the Karian Chersonesos.

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles were complied with during the preparation of this study and all the works referred are mentioned in the bibliography.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence
No artificial intelligence-based tools or applications were used in the preparation of this study. The entire content of the manuscript was produced by the authors in accordance with scientific research methods and academic ethical principles.

Çalışmanın Tasarlanması/Planning of the Study : Yazar/Author-1 (%50) - Yazar/Author-2 (%50)
Veri Toplanması/Collecting Data : Yazar/Author-1 (%50) - Yazar/Author-2 (%50)
Veri Analizi/Data Analysis : Yazar/Author-1 (%50) - Yazar/Author-2 (%50)
Makalenin Yazımı/Writing the Article : Yazar/Author-1 (%50) - Yazar/Author-2 (%50)
Makale Gönderimi ve Revizyonu/Submission of the Article and Revisions : Yazar/Author-1 (%50) - Yazar/Author-2 (%50)

The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.

License
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC).

An illicit excavation attempt in January 2019 was intercepted through the intervention of security forces; however, part of the tomb was damaged during this incident. In the autumn of 2020, a rescue excavation directed by the Marmaris Museum Directorate, lasting approximately one month, successfully uncovered the tomb in its entirety. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Marmaris Museum Directorate for their support and contributions, as well as to the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce and Marmaris Municipality for sponsoring the excavation works.