The Burial Customs of the Ancient Greeks

"The Burial Customs of the Ancient Greeks" by Frank Pierrepont Graves is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the intricate customs surrounding death and burial in ancient Greece, examining practices that reflect societal values, religious beliefs, and family duties regarding the deceased. The author aims to compile a connected narrative from various historical sources, emphasizing the significance of burial rites in Greek culture. At the start of this dissertation, the author lays the groundwork for his exploration of burial practices by acknowledging the challenges of piecing together the fragmented evidence available. He highlights the reverence the Greeks held for the dead and the duty imposed by society to ensure proper burial, regardless of personal enmity. The initial chapters detail customs that govern the burial of enemies and those who commit suicide, highlighting significant societal norms and laws that dictated these practices. The discussion foreshadows a broader examination of burial rituals and their evolution, illuminating how ancient Greeks navigated the themes of mortality, loss, and familial obligation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frank Pierrepont Graves was Commissioner of the New York State Education Department from 1921 to 1940. Prior to assuming the commissionership, Graves was a noted historian of education, college administrator, and author.