What is a Necropolis?

Definition of the glossary term necropolis

© Robin Fowler

Definition of the glossary term necropolis

The term necropolis comes from the Greek for "city of the dead". In ancient history, a necropolis was a sort of cemetary, and they were used by several cultures, in various forms, and for different reasons. They were generally located very close to the cultural center.

The Etruscans built necropoli as a means of worshipping the dead, and so that the dead were not buried within the limits of the cities.

The Egyptian necropoli were ceremonial and religious in nature, often in the form of a complex of pyramids that housed the dead, their servants, and any supplies and personal effects that would be needed for the journey into the afterlife.

Related terms:

Tholos

Related articles:

The Etruscan Villanovan Period

The Great Pyramid of Giza


The copyright of the article What is a Necropolis? in Ancient History is owned by Robin Fowler. Permission to republish What is a Necropolis? must be granted by the author in writing.




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