What Were the Ancient Greeks Buried With?
The ancient Greeks both buried their dead as well as cremated them. The act of holding a proper burial for the deceased was a necessity. The burial was the final stage of a person's spiritual life and, through the process of a proper burial, the spirit could rest easy and remain at peace. When the ancient Greeks buried their dead, they would offer small items for their lost, to aid the journey into the afterlife.
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Gold Coins
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Once the deceased passed on, the ancient Greeks believed a ferryman named Charon would carry the soul across the River Styx and into the Underworld to rest for all eternity. Family members of the deceased would place gold coins in his mouth or on his eyes to pay for the soul's safe passage across the River Styx and into the Underworld.
Food
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Customary at a burial service during ancient Greek times was the offering of different types of food. Such foods as fruits, vegetables, or grains, were used during the burial of the deceased so as to sew the lost life with the earth once again. It was thought that humans were made of clay by the Greek gods. This offering was meant to show respect to the earth, allowing it to welcome the deceased's body as well as keep it from ever leaving.
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Wine
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Like food, wine was offered during the burial service. The family members of the deceased would either pour the wine directly into the earth or, if the body was to be cremated, the wine was placed in a jar and left with the remains of the body. Wine was an offering of the earth as it is made from a product of the earth.
Heirlooms
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On the rare occasion the deceased had specific belongings that he or she did not pass on to a family member, these heirlooms would be buried per the request of the one who passed on. Heirlooms such as necklaces, bracelets, or even childhood toys would be buried with the deceased.
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References
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