DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.8757#0061
AND ASSOCIATED
GROUP AT KNOSSOS
35
wall, at least above this level, had been at some time methodically removed and
replaced. The subsequent effraction of the upper part is a very different story.
As the removal of such a blocking wall, three layers thick, and its careful
replacement would involve serious and leisurely work, we must infer that it was
removed with the cognisance of the family concerned and for some overt reason.
The most natural supposition would be that there was a fresh interment. Of this,
however, there was no trace, and it seems necessary to seek another explanation.
Since, moreover, it is by no means an unusual case that when graves are reopened
for this purpose valuable or useful objects are abstracted from a previous deposit,
it is possible that the bronze double axe may have been accidentally left among
the blocking stones on such an occasion when other implements were carried off.
Fig. 48. Bronze double axe from Tomb of the Double Axes (2).
The peculiar character ot this remarkable tomb makes it possible that in
this case the explanation of its reopening may be afforded by some religious
commemoration. The solitary cist found within looks as if the sepulchral
chamber had been intended for a single occupant. On the other hand, as will
be seen below, this tomb was at the same time a shrine.
On clearing out the chamber it proved to be of a complex form altogether
unique among any existing Minoan or Mycenaean tombs. In its extreme
depth the chamber went back from 548 to 6-83 m., its breadth varying from
5 to 6-30 m., while the height of the central section was about 3-60 m.1 (See
plan, pi. V.)
1 For all details reference must be made to the very exact measurements of Mr. C. T. Doll's
plans and sections (pi. V and figs. 47, 50, 51, 53, 72).
f 2
GROUP AT KNOSSOS
35
wall, at least above this level, had been at some time methodically removed and
replaced. The subsequent effraction of the upper part is a very different story.
As the removal of such a blocking wall, three layers thick, and its careful
replacement would involve serious and leisurely work, we must infer that it was
removed with the cognisance of the family concerned and for some overt reason.
The most natural supposition would be that there was a fresh interment. Of this,
however, there was no trace, and it seems necessary to seek another explanation.
Since, moreover, it is by no means an unusual case that when graves are reopened
for this purpose valuable or useful objects are abstracted from a previous deposit,
it is possible that the bronze double axe may have been accidentally left among
the blocking stones on such an occasion when other implements were carried off.
Fig. 48. Bronze double axe from Tomb of the Double Axes (2).
The peculiar character ot this remarkable tomb makes it possible that in
this case the explanation of its reopening may be afforded by some religious
commemoration. The solitary cist found within looks as if the sepulchral
chamber had been intended for a single occupant. On the other hand, as will
be seen below, this tomb was at the same time a shrine.
On clearing out the chamber it proved to be of a complex form altogether
unique among any existing Minoan or Mycenaean tombs. In its extreme
depth the chamber went back from 548 to 6-83 m., its breadth varying from
5 to 6-30 m., while the height of the central section was about 3-60 m.1 (See
plan, pi. V.)
1 For all details reference must be made to the very exact measurements of Mr. C. T. Doll's
plans and sections (pi. V and figs. 47, 50, 51, 53, 72).
f 2