Discovering the Treasures of Tomb 66

Few discoveries have captured the imagination quite like Tomb 66 at Enkomi. This remarkable Late Bronze Age burial, excavated by the British Museum in 1896, has shed light on the funerary practices, material culture, and international connections of Cyprus during this pivotal period [1]. The tomb's impressive array of grave goods, which include gold jewelry, imported pottery, and most intriguingly, bronze nails and lamps affixed to the walls, make it a truly unique find. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating contents of Tomb 66 and explore what they reveal about life and death in ancient Cyprus [1].

The Discovery and Architecture of Tomb 66

Tomb 66 was one of 100 tombs excavated by the British Museum at Enkomi in 1896. Unlike the majority of the tombs, which were chamber tombs cut into the soft limestone bedrock, Tomb 66 was a built tomb constructed from finely-cut ashlar blocks and topped with rough-hewn slabs. This tomb type, along with the tholos tombs also found at Enkomi, is thought to have been inspired by Near Eastern or Aegean architectural styles.

The tomb's interior measured 2.9 meters long by 2.5 meters wide, making it one of the largest tombs, with a stone platform running along one end and one side. The doorway, which measured about 0.9 by 1.05 meters, was sealed with two overlapping stones. The spacious and well-constructed nature of Tomb 66 sets it apart from the more common chamber tombs and suggests that it was built for individuals of high status. The tomb was likely sealed with access to the tomb being inconvenient, indicating that it was to be rarely opened [1].

Difficulty Dating

Dating tombs can be difficult, with many being used across hundreds of years as well as suffering from roof collapses, floodings, looting and the poor excavation techniques of the 19th century. There is also evidence that, during the Bronze Age, tombs could be re-opened with both human remains and grave goods being moved to entirely different locations [2].

Treasures

What makes Tomb 66 truly exceptional is the wealth and variety of grave goods found within. The British Museum tomb yielded a staggering array of artifacts, including gold jewelry, imported pottery, bronze vessels, weapons, faience objects, and glass vessels. The vast majority of these items date to the Late Cypriot II period (c. 1450-1200 BCE), with some heirlooms from earlier periods.

One of the most impressive finds was the large quantity of gold jewelry, which included diadems, mouth-pieces, earrings, rings, and beads. The intricate craftsmanship and sheer amount of gold found in Tomb 66 attest to the wealth and status of the individuals buried within. The presence of imported goods, such as Mycenaean pottery, Egyptian stone vessels, and Levantine faience objects, also highlights the far-reaching trade connections that Cyprus enjoyed during the Late Bronze Age.

The Mystery of the Wall-Mounted Lamps and Nails

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Tomb 66 is the presence of bronze nails and lamps that were found driven into the gaps between the ashlar blocks of the tomb walls. This unique feature, not seen in any other Cypriot tomb, has led archaeologists to ponder the significance of these fixtures.

On one side of the doorway, a ceramic lamp was supported by two bronze pins, while on the other side, a copper lamp was inserted into the wall by its handle. The excavators also noted that bronze pins were driven into the walls in several places, likely for the suspension of objects, including a silver bowl.

The presence of these wall-mounted lamps and suspension nails suggests that Tomb 66 was not just a final resting place but also a space for ongoing ritual activities. The tomb's occupants may have been visited and honored by the living, with the lamps providing light for these ceremonies. This theory is supported by the tomb's accessibility, with its "door" sealing possibly designed to allow for easier entry compared to the more substantial blocking of chamber tombs.

Connections to the Wider World

The grave goods from Tomb 66 also provide valuable insights into Cyprus's connections with the wider Mediterranean world during the Late Bronze Age. The imported pottery, particularly the Mycenaean wares, attests to the island's close ties with the Aegean. Similarly, the presence of Egyptian stone vessels and Levantine faience objects points to Cyprus's role as a crossroads between the Near East and the Mediterranean.

The gold jewelry found in the tomb, while exhibiting local Cypriot styles, also shows influences from the surrounding regions. Some pieces, such as the Aegean-style gold ring with an engraved design, demonstrate the cultural exchange and adaptation that characterized this period.

Conclusion

Tomb 66 at Enkomi is a remarkable window into the world of Late Bronze Age Cyprus. Its impressive architecture, wealthy grave goods, and enigmatic wall-mounted lamps and nails make it a truly unique discovery. The tomb's contents not only shed light on the funerary practices and material culture of the time but also highlight Cyprus's role as a hub of international trade and cultural exchange.

As we continue to study the fascinating finds from Tomb 66 and other Late Cypriot burials, we gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in the island's history. The ongoing research and analysis of these artifacts promise to reveal even more about the lives, beliefs, and connections of the ancient Cypriots, reminding us of the enduring importance of archaeological discovery in our quest to understand the past.