ELIS Anc. Elis - 2004

Chamber tombs of the end of the 4th−E3rd millennium BC (ca. 3400−2800) were dug directly into the hardened sand layer on which the Archaeological Collection building was constructed. Only the lowest parts of the first 5 tombs dug (the level with the skeletal remains) escaped clearance by the mechanical digger. Subsequent systematic investigation of the site revealed a total of 24 tombs, mostly chamber tombs reused on several occasions (2−16 individuals, with an average of 5−8 bodies). A few cist graves were found, usually set close to the entrance of a chamber tomb and containing a single burial in contracted position without offerings. In most cases these are probably tombs of juveniles. In total, remains of 150 individuals were found in the cemetery, including juveniles and children of a wide age-range.

The tombs lay in 2 rows (one somewhat higher than the other) in a curved line close to the NE edge of a semicircular mound of sand which sloped down to the N and E, towards the river Peneios. Their entrances were consistently oriented NE or E, towards the river. In the upper row, the dromos was at surface level, while in the lower, it was dug down more deeply: the stomion was so narrow as to allow only a single person to crawl in. The chambers were 1−1.2m h., with flat roofs. In most cases, the stomion was found open: only T16 had been closed with a large stone slab and T8 with a wall of large river stones. All the tombs had been filled with stony river sand probably in a later flood. Several tombs were joined with their neighbours via a small passageway (e.g., T16 and T9), then blocked up with slabs.
The chamber tombs were constructed in a similar fashion to Myc examples, with a dromos, stomion and wide chamber. Most chambers had a curved niche at the rear and 2 small niches at the sides. In the rear, slightly raised, niche, a body was usually found in primary disposition, contracted (or sometimes extended) − in the latest cases, it is clear that the head was oriented towards the entrance. In a few cases, 2 skeletons were found side by side. In the side niches were skeletal remains in secondary disposition, the remains of earlier burials in the chamber. In the upper row, where burial customs seem to have been less consistently observed than in the lower, niches were sometimes omitted, and bodies therefore laid less carefully on top of, or sometimes across, each other. In some cases in the upper row of tombs, bodies were laid face down. In the lower row, rules were more strictly adhered to: only one or 2 skeletons were found in primary disposition (always in contracted position), one in the raised niche and the other on the floor in front of it. The difference between the 2 rows may be chronological, with the upper slightly earlier than the lower.

Grave goods were relatively few − mostly fine, handmade pots of grey-black clay with a burnished surface and incised decoration or pattern burnishing. Closed vessels were most common, with some one-handled cups and one example of a double vessel. The most notable non-ceramic find was a bone plaque, a class of find previously known in the EH Cyclades: Aegean connections are also indicated by a sandstone pendant. Further pendants of semi-precious stones and animal tooth were also present. Remains of Hel constructions were discovered E of the EH cemetery.