ZOITADA, Krini - 2005

Zoitada, Krini. L. Papakosta (ΣΤ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of further tombs from the Mycenaean cemetery on the west slope of the hill (three chamber tombs were previously excavated on the Galanou property: ADelt 49 [1994] Chr. 234-236). This is one of five Mycenaean cemeteries in the wider area of Krini. Tombs were excavated on two plot.

At 15 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, seven chamber tombs were found in a dense, almost parallel array, with the chamber to the northeast and the dromos to the southwest. Tombs 1-5 were on a higher level, with tomb 7 below and 6 in between. Damage caused by a mechanical digger left only tomb 6 intact. All tomb were sunk into the ground, with the dromos sloping steeply down (tombs 1, 2 and 3 had steps down into the chamber). Tomb 4 was unfinished, with only a shallow (0.2m deep) cutting made for the dromos. None of the tombs had been looted, but the bones were poorly preserved. Sherds of drinking vessels (chiefly kylikes, deep bowls and kraters) were found in the dromoi of tombs 2, 3 and 6.

Tomb 1, which had an oval chamber (2.3-1.85m across) and a 1.7m-long dromos, contained a few disarticulated bones from a single in situ inhumation accompanied by two small alabastra and two spindle whorls.

Tomb 2, which had a round chamber (ca. 2.5m in diameter) and a 1.95m-long dromos, contained two layers of burials separated by a layer of soil and gravel. The earlier level (on the tomb floor) contained a primary contracted inhumation (sex uncertain) with a necklace and arm rings made of numerous cornelian beads, and the displaced remains of at least five further burials. A further cranium and other bones were found displaced. Grave goods comprised three alabastra, a jug, a bone pin and bronze tweezers. The later layer contained a primary inhumation with two alabastra.

Tomb 3, which had an oval chamber (3.5-2.85m across) and a 3.4m-long dromos, had partially collapsed, covering the neighbouring tomb 2. It contained two layers of burials separated by a 1.3m-thick layer of larger stones which might be the result of an earlier partial collapse of the superstructure while the tomb was in use. The earlier level (on the tomb floor) contained two burials (the better preserved accompanied by a bronze tweezers) and the displaced remains of two more with a one-handled closed vessel and two alabastra. Very small oval bone beads (plus two gold six-leafed rosettes) were recovered from the fill of this layer. The upper level contained two in situ inhumations and the displaced remains of at least two individuals. Goods comprised three stirrup jars, an alabastron, two spindle whorls, and an intact bronze needle.

Tomb 5, with an oval chamber (2.6-2.25m across) and a 4.15m-long dromos, was largely destroyed. A layer of red soil and rock chips lay over the tomb floor with no evidence of burials, but one alabastron.

Tomb 6, with an oval chamber (2.9-2.4m across) and a 2.9m-long dromos, contained five primary inhumations and the displaced remains of at least three burials over the floor: a pit grave by the entrance (with a cover slab) contained scant remains probably of a child burial, sealed with a layer of clay. This tomb contained the richest collection of grave goods – 26 vases (many intact) including, in addition to stirrup jars and alabastra, lekythoi, ring- and bird-shaped askoi, a kalathos and a four-handled amphora, plus bronze tweezers.

Tomb 7, with a round chamber (1.75m in diameter) and a 3.15m-long dromos, contained five primary burials in a layer over the floor with three alabastra, spindle whorls, a bronze ring, beads, and a faience scarab depicting a lion.

Cleaning across the plot below the level of the tombs revealed an irregular bedrock surface.

On the Property of K. Georgantopoulou, 50m to the north, two further Late Helladic chamber tombs were found intact.

Tomb 1, with an irregular oval chamber (2.6-1.5m across) and a 2.13m-long dromos, contained a displaced set of at least 6 burials opposite the entrance (by the rear wall of the chamber), with five groups of offerings (ten vases – stirrup jars, jugs, cups and an oil dispenser), beads, and seal stones depicting animals.

Tomb 2, with a 3.8m-lomg dromos, contained two primary contracted inhumations in the left half of the chamber with a group of five small vessels in common. In the right half were the displaced remains of at least five burials plus 17 vases (stirrup jars and alabastra), a spindle whorl and bronze tweezers.