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Aeolian Islands - The burial ground

The classical burial ground (necropolis) is one of the richest in Sicily. During the past fifty years, systematic excavations have uncovered objects from about 3000 tombs, which are now exhibited in the Aeolian Museum. The earliest date back to the sixth century BC and the decades following the foundation of Greek Lipari and include Corinthian and black Attic ceramic pieces, as well as works from other Greek schools. The tombs from the fifth, fourth and third centuries BC are particularly rich. Burial methods range from terracotta sarcophagi and brick or stone coffins through to simple cremation, and in some of the tombs large bowls have been found, as well as illustrated or polychrome vases by the “Painter of Lipari” and vases decorated in Gnathian style.

Tombs dating from the later Hellenic period, the destruction of 251 BC, are much simpler and almost always covered with tiled tops following. Tombs from the Roman period (first century BC – second century AD) have a wealth of bronze and glass pieces and figured lamps. In the area of the burial ground at the beginning of the road to Piano Conte, close to the school, there are two large underground funeral vaults dating from the Imperial Roman period (second century AD) and at least one other similar one is to be found in the Episcopal Refectory, where there also the remains of some later funeral monuments (fourth-fifth centuries AD).

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