Gifts for the afterlife: Evidence of mortuary practices on the necropolis at Marina el-Alamein

Abstract

The paper considers the evidence for mortuary practices in the form of grave accompaniments and grave offerings recorded during excavations of the Graeco-Roman necropolis at Marina el-Alamein. Grave goods accompanying burials are modest and scarce. On the other hand, the evidence for offerings confirms that leaving symbolic food and liquids, as well as incense-burning at the graveside were a regular part of mortuary practices, both during the funeral and during later memorial rites. The prevalence of cooking-related and banqueting facilities underscore the importance of memorial feasts for the local community.