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Articles

Vol. 12 (2000)

Stone Beads and Sealstones from the Mycenaean Tholos Tomb at Nichoria, Greece

Submitted
January 24, 2025
Published
2000-01-01

Abstract

Stone beads and engraved sealstones are among the most common grave goods that accompany Mycenaean burials. At Nichoria in the southwestern Peloponnese of Greece, a tholos tomb, presumably the burial place of the local elite at the site, had been plundered more than once in antiquity before being investigated by archaeologists. Nonetheless, it produced numerous stone beads of rock crystal, amethyst, carnelian, agate, and "steatite." Eleven sealstones, most of which were heirlooms when placed in the tomb, were also found among the disturbed burial offerings.