LOUTRA HERAIAS - 2005

Loutra Heraias. A.-V. Karapanagiotou (ΛΘ' ΕΠΚΑ) presents a preliminary publication of a Myc cemetery on the S slope of the hill of the chapel of Ag. Giorgos, close to the NW edge of the village of Iamatikes Piges, 12km from Paloumbas and ca. 15km from the known Myc cemetery at Palaiokastro. Remains of a collapsed tholos tomb and traces of at least 6 more were visible on the surface, along with remains of slabs displaced by the digger used to open a road up the hill. Only the chamber of the tholos tomb survived, cut into the soft limestone of the hill (2.8 x 2.15m). The dromos could not be located. The chamber floor was covered with fill which had seeped in from above and the S part of the chamber had subsided. The tomb was reused, presenting evidence of earlier burials pushed aside, as well as the latest burials on the floor of the chamber. Remains of a least 8 individuals lay at the W side of the chamber, along with their grave goods. In the southernmost part, 2 skeletons were preserved in supine position. Grave goods consisted of more than 25 vessels representing a variety of closed shapes (especially alabastra, also pithoid amphorae), plus dress ornaments (bronze and bone pins), beads, whorls, 2 knives and 3 razors and a sealstone. Use of the tomb dates to LH IIIA−B.