Wealth Destruction as a Sign of Iron Age Political Strife; the Greek Example

Abstract

In recent archaeological discussion it has become more or less accepted that grave-goods represent the destruction of wealth in order to enhance the personal prestige of the person who makes the offerings. This is accomplished through (a) the prestige of the ancestor buried which is transferred upon the individual who arranges the funeral, (b) through the prestige the individual gains from the funeral feast itself. This presupposition is contrasted against the sacred place offerings, which are seen as the offerings of a community —even if the community is represented by an individual —at either local or "international" sanctuaries. Offerings at local sanctuaries are seen as indications of a more stable hierarchy, where the leaders can gather the whole community without any problem. Offerings at the international sanctuaries are seen as indications of communities so stable as to be able to send representatives to the international gatherings. Such offerings enhance the prestige of both the individuals and the communities represented. The essay ends with an outline of the Greek Iron Age with a brief discussion on how the hypotheses presented fit the evidence as it can be read.