The Illyrian population first developed into tribal societies that were characterized by a certain flexibility between the political and social makeup of the group. Illyrians also possessed the ability to create a livelihood from various economic and ecological conditions (Galaty, 2002:110; Stallo, 2007:25). Many of these tribes became dependent upon transhumant pastoralism, meaning they would graze their herds along coastal plains in the winter and move to the mountains for the summer (Galaty, 2002:113; Halstead, 1987:79; Hammond, 1992: 29; Stallo, 2007:28). The exceptional pasturage was a result of the regions warmer temperatures and wetter weather. Conditions were beneficial for the Illyrian herds of mules, horses, cattle, sheep, and
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Then layers of dirt would be placed on top until an earthen mound was created. Over time additional graves would be added to the mound (Galaty, 2002:120; Hammond, 1992:33; Stallo, 2007:10; Wilkes, 1992:127). These additions were sometimes the result of creating shafts into the tumulus, in order for additional body to be placed inside and then filled back in (Stallo, 2007:10). Unfortunately, this way of inserting other members in the tumulus makes dating the occupants stratigraphically impossible. Therefore, our understanding of when internment took place is usually done through the archaeological material found amongst the tombs (Stallo, 2007:10). Traditionally it has been the belief that the mounds contain the same clan or tribal members (Galaty, 2002:120; Hammond, 1992:33). In some areas several mounds clustered together created a cemetery type compound (Hammond, 1992:33; Wilkes, …show more content…
After colonization of southern Illyria by the Greeks, Illyrian burial practices began to alter. In particular Apollonia’s tumuli show a variety of burial practices. These tumuli contained sarcophagi, simple pits, wood-lined pits, mud-brick pits, tile-lined pits, in situ cremations, urns, and enchytrismòs (Antonaccio, 2001:126; Amore, 2005:90; Lafe, 2003:78; Stallo, 2007:11). Wealthier Apollonians even used marble sarcophagi, like the Greeks, which were then placed inside a tumulus. Some of these individuals had their names carved onto stelae, as a way of marking their place of burial. Many of these names are of both Greek and Illyrian origins (Galaty, 2002:120; Lafe,
Then layers of dirt would be placed on top until an earthen mound was created. Over time additional graves would be added to the mound (Galaty, 2002:120; Hammond, 1992:33; Stallo, 2007:10; Wilkes, 1992:127). These additions were sometimes the result of creating shafts into the tumulus, in order for additional body to be placed inside and then filled back in (Stallo, 2007:10). Unfortunately, this way of inserting other members in the tumulus makes dating the occupants stratigraphically impossible. Therefore, our understanding of when internment took place is usually done through the archaeological material found amongst the tombs (Stallo, 2007:10). Traditionally it has been the belief that the mounds contain the same clan or tribal members (Galaty, 2002:120; Hammond, 1992:33). In some areas several mounds clustered together created a cemetery type compound (Hammond, 1992:33; Wilkes, …show more content…
After colonization of southern Illyria by the Greeks, Illyrian burial practices began to alter. In particular Apollonia’s tumuli show a variety of burial practices. These tumuli contained sarcophagi, simple pits, wood-lined pits, mud-brick pits, tile-lined pits, in situ cremations, urns, and enchytrismòs (Antonaccio, 2001:126; Amore, 2005:90; Lafe, 2003:78; Stallo, 2007:11). Wealthier Apollonians even used marble sarcophagi, like the Greeks, which were then placed inside a tumulus. Some of these individuals had their names carved onto stelae, as a way of marking their place of burial. Many of these names are of both Greek and Illyrian origins (Galaty, 2002:120; Lafe,