Pràctiques i rituals funeraris a Tàrraco i el seu ager (segles II ac-III / IV dc)

Identifier:  TDX:949

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX949

Authors:  Ciurana Prast, Judit

Abstract:
The main aim of this thesis is to identify, analyze and interpret the ritual gestures that were held in the funeral area of the city of Tarraco and its territory. To achieve it, it has been created a complete corpus that includes tombs, epigraphic texts, sculptural and architectural elements and anthropological data. As a result, 741 graves have been individualized, inserted in various suburban and rural sepulchral areas. Apart from analysing the tombs and all its components (typology, human remains, grave goods), this study has also has sought to locate the tombs inside the funerary landscape. In conclusion, this study has provided a better understanding about how burial areas in the Tarraconense developed and functioned. This work has demonstrated that family unit played a crucial role as a promoter of funerary ritual and commemorations. On the other hand, it has been studied the intern organization of the necropolis and its evolution over the centuries. We have also identified funeral rituals that had place in these areas: sacrifices, food offerings, libations, etc. This research has also sought to demonstrate that archaeology is useful and should be taken into consideration when studying «intangible» aspects such as ritual, religion and social relations. Archaeological evidence, if it is properly contextualized, can provide us answers to many questions not only about ritual, but also social behaviour.