Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (5.1993(1994))

seem to have come into existence not much later. Some of them
are adjacent to the box-like tombs. It is to be assumed that they are
an integral part of the early necropolis. Their presence generates
a number of questions of a sociological and religious nature. Are
they proof of a social stratification of the community of the ancient
town or an indication perhaps of the pauperization of certain
families which had previously prospered sufficiently to be able to
afford tombs of a more monumental form? Or are the "mass
graves" a reflection of different sepulchral customs?
Explorations of the area about 50 m west of the tombs
described here led to the discovery of a tomb (Til) which
resembled a columbarium. The structure was presumably a large
cube, possibly topped by an additional element. The upper course
consisting of 3 loculi was partly uncovered. Below this were other
loculi. The tomb was surrounded by a double wall. Further
explorations are necessary to reveal more of the tomb’s appear-
ance.
A separate research problem is the investigation of the
monumental underground tombs. Two basic types are represented.
The first is an underground structure accessible from ground level
through a monumental staircase, partly cut in bedrock and partly
built of masonry, leading to a courtyard also cut in the rock from
where the burial chambers can be entered. The other type is a
combination of an aboveground heroon-like structure and an
underground tomb resembling the first type described here.
Hypogeum T7 is an example of the first type. Explorations
continued to uncover the courtyard and burial chamber. Work
proceeded along the main axis, i.e. on line with the steps and
entrance to the chamber. In the middle of the courtyard there was
an altar (0.63 x 0.87 m; 1.05 m high) with traces of ashes on it.

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