Hittite Burial Mounds

Definition

Hittite burial mounds, also known as tumuli, are large earthen or stone structures built over the graves of Hittite elites and royalty. These monumental tombs reflect the funerary practices of the Hittites, showcasing their beliefs in the afterlife and their social hierarchies through elaborate burial customs and grave goods that indicate the status of the deceased.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hittite burial mounds often contained elaborate grave goods, including weapons, pottery, and jewelry, which were believed to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
2. These mounds could vary significantly in size and complexity, depending on the social status of the individual buried within them.
3. Archaeological excavations of Hittite burial mounds have revealed important insights into Hittite culture, society, and their views on death and the afterlife.
4. The construction of burial mounds was not only a reflection of individual status but also served to reinforce social hierarchies within Hittite society.
5. Some Hittite mounds show influences from neighboring cultures, indicating a degree of interaction and cultural exchange in the region.

Review Questions

• How do Hittite burial mounds reflect the social structure of Hittite society?
  • Hittite burial mounds are significant indicators of social hierarchy within Hittite society. The size and complexity of a mound often correlated with the status of the individual buried within it, suggesting that elites received more elaborate tombs filled with valuable grave goods. This practice not only honored the deceased but also reinforced the societal structure by visibly differentiating between various social classes based on their burial practices.
• In what ways did Hittite burial practices influence or resemble those of surrounding cultures?
  • Hittite burial practices exhibited both unique features and similarities to those of neighboring civilizations. For instance, like other cultures in Anatolia and beyond, Hittites constructed tumuli as markers for graves. However, they also incorporated specific elements such as distinctive grave goods reflecting their own cultural beliefs about the afterlife. This blending shows both cultural retention and adaptation influenced by interactions with other societies in the region.
• Evaluate the significance of archaeological findings from Hittite burial mounds in understanding their culture and beliefs.
  • The archaeological findings from Hittite burial mounds are crucial for piecing together aspects of Hittite culture and beliefs. The artifacts uncovered provide insight into their social organization, religious practices, and attitudes towards death. By analyzing these items and their contexts within burial sites, researchers can infer how the Hittites viewed life after death, their societal values regarding status, and how they interacted with surrounding cultures. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of ancient Mediterranean societies as a whole.

Related terms

Tumulus: A burial mound constructed over a grave, often associated with various ancient cultures, serving as a marker for the burial site.

Anatolia: A region in modern-day Turkey that was home to the Hittite civilization, playing a crucial role in their culture, economy, and military power.

Funerary Practices: The rituals and customs associated with the burial of the dead, which reflect cultural beliefs about death, the afterlife, and social structures.