Gardner, Percy: Sculptured tombs of Hellas (London, 1896)

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BURIAL CUSTOMS IN GREECE

but far more commonly in a hole in the rock; or a grave
was dug in the soil and a small chamber constructed of slabs
of stone or terra-cotta. In case of burning, a pyre of wood
was erected in or near the cemetery, and after the flames
had burned themselves out, the human ashes, which are readily
to be distinguished, were carefully and piously collected and
placed in a vessel of bronze or of earthenware, which might
either be buried or preserved in some hallowed spot in the
house.

FIG. 6. TYRE OF PATROCLUS.

A late vase of Canusium 1 furnishes us with a representation
of the pyre of Patroclus, and of the sacrifices which according
to Homer were performed at it (Fig. 6). In the midst is the
pyre of great logs, on which is heaped the armour of Patroclus.
This detail shows, we may observe, how free are even the
later vase-painters in their treatment of Homeric scenes, for
Patroclus' armour, which Hector had carried off, is not mentioned

1 Mon. deW Inst. ix. 32. We reproduce only the central group of the painting.