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.