Asarlık Paton Tomb O: Some Observations on Funerary Practices of Lelegian Peninsula in 12th century bc and the Arrival of Newcomers

Abstract

Excavations undertaken by W. R. Paton at Asarlık in 1886 revealed a burial platform which contained a pithos urn. A small number of burial gifts were found including a stirup jar and a fibula. Reassessment of the finds under the light of current evidence confirmed that they actually belong to the second half of 12th century bc. New evidence from the excavations of Asarlık and Pedasa proved that burial platforms and cremation form of burials started to become common in Lelegian peninsula by the first half of the 12th century bc. The termination of use of the Müsgebi chamber tombs coincides with the introduction of new burial practices and new tomb structures indicating the arrival of newcomers to the peninsula. New inhabitants shaping the Early Iron Age culture of the peninsula must be Lelegians or Carians as attested by all elements of related material culture

Excavations undertaken by W. R. Paton at Asarlık in 1886 revealed a burial platform which contained a pithos urn. A small number of burial gifts were found including a stirup jar and a fibula. Reassessment of the finds under the light of current evidence confirmed that they actually belong to the second half of 12th century bc. New evidence from the excavations of Asarlık and Pedasa proved that burial platforms and cremation form of burials started to become common in Lelegian peninsula by the first half of the 12th century bc. The termination of use of the Müsgebi chamber tombs coincides with the introduction of new burial practices and new tomb structures indicating the arrival of newcomers to the peninsula. New inhabitants shaping the Early Iron Age culture of the peninsula must be Lelegians or Carians as attested by all elements of related material culture.