Necropolises, or cities of the dead, are found worldwide and are of interest to historians and archaeologists. They were used in antiquity for burials of high-ranking members of society and often contain grave goods. Some, like the Great Pyramids, are easily identifiable, while others are more modest or obscured by debris. Working in necropolises can be controversial due to ethical concerns, but they provide valuable insights into ancient cultures.
A necropolis is literally a city of the dead, when translated from the Greek. Necropolises, as they are called in the plural, are found all over the world, from the Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in China, with its famous terracotta army. Many people enjoy visiting necropolises, and they are of particular interest to archaeologists and historians, who use the sites to learn more about ancient cultures.
As a general rule, the term “necropolis” is used specifically to refer to a large burial site used in antiquity, excluding large modern cemeteries. However, it is technically appropriate to refer to any large cemetery and burial complex as a necropolis, especially in the case of cemeteries that include chapels, structures for handling the dead, and complex winding paths and roads that reach an assortment of burial sites, ranging from simple to elaborate mausoleums.
Classical necropolises included complexes of temples and elaborate tombs to house the dead. Many were dedicated to the use of high-ranking members of society and royalty, with commoners buried elsewhere. Many ancient cultures also had a tradition of burying their dead with items they might need in the afterlife, so an ancient necropolis can house a wide variety of fascinating items, including fabrics, jewelry, methods of transportation, and a variety of other grave goods.
In some cases a necropolis becomes immediately evident, as in the case of the Great Pyramids of Giza, which tower over the surrounding landscape, making them easily identifiable. Others have been more modest, or have been overshadowed by time, as is the case with the Valley of the Kings, another notable Egyptian burial site. When a necropolis is obscured by sand, mud and other debris, it can be a real find for archaeologists, as it may have been protected from looting or vandalism.
Working in the necropolis is not without controversy. While people recognize the value of studying archaeological artifacts, some people find that disturbing the dead is ethically questionable. While modern archaeologists are extremely respectful, historically people have used archaeological digs to hide the widespread looting and sale of artifacts and human remains, making some governments wary of opening cultural sites to the outside world. Many legends of terrible curses and other punishments for disturbing the dead have stuck to famous necropolises around the world.
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