Tombs, Graves and Burial: Practice Questions

When examining the contents of Grave Circle B compared to Grave Circle A at Mycenae, which of the following is a significant chronological and archaeological distinction?

In the context of Mycenaean burial customs, what is the primary structural difference between a tholos tomb and a chamber tomb?

In the construction of a tholos tomb, such as the Treasury of Atreus, what is the technical term for the long, stone-lined entrance passage leading to the burial chamber?

Name the two specific Grave Circles found at the site of Mycenae.

Compare the structure and intended use of a tholos tomb with that of a cist grave in Mycenaean burial culture.

Tombs, graves and burial are essential for understanding Mycenaean social hierarchy.

(a) Describe the physical structure of a tholos tomb and explain why they are often called 'beehive' tombs.
(b) Explain why the discovery of funerary objects, such as the 'Gold death mask of Agamemnon' in Grave Circle A, suggests a high status for the deceased individuals.
(c) Compare the accessibility and visibility of Grave Circle A with Grave Circle B at Mycenae, and explain how this reflects the development of the site over time.