Ἔφυρος Ἥρως: νέος μυκηναϊκός τάφος εκτός των τειχών της Εφύρας, Ήπειρος

Abstract

The Mycenaean citadel of Ephyra, on the coastal passage of the Ionian sea, is perhaps the most important site of the Late Helladic III period in Epirus, as a trading post on the plain of Phanari and the mouth of the river Acheron, with a desirable harbour available. The new Mycenaean grave under discussion was discovered by chance in the year 2012, outside the walls of the Mycenaean citadel of Ephyra, during the enhancement work of the archaeological sites of Nekromanteio and Ephyra. The skeleton was found richly furnished, with bronze weapons (a T-handle dagger, a leaf-shaped and two lanceolate spearheads) and tools (a single-edged knife, a flat chisel and a socketed chisel), a few items of personal ornament (three bone pins and a golden bead), as well as nine wheelmade vases. The new tomb was located outside the walls, in contact with the fortification wall and at a short distance from the main southern gate of the Mycenaean citadel. Due to the location of the find, the wealth and variety of the gifts, it is significantly distinguished from the other known tombs of the three burial mounds inside the Mycenaean citadel, and all of Epirus. Endowed with the virtue of valor, the local ‘hero’ of Ephyra was honored by the members of the thriving Mycenaean community in a transitional period with many vicissitudes.