Experimental insights into different funerary burning conditions on Crete island, Greece

Abstract

The study of cremations in archaeology has presented significant challenges, particularly when examining the diverse burning conditions that can affect the combustion of the human body. The application of modern experimental methods can enhance our understanding of the use and technology of fire in the manipulation of skeletal remains. In the context of the TEFRA project, two burning events were conducted in Crete (one outdoor and one furnace pyre) involving the incineration of animal carcasses and skeletal remains in different stages of decomposition until complete calcination. In the open fire experiment, dry olive wood was used as fuel without any artificial intervention, while in the furnace experiment, the same wood was burned but a flame-torch was used as a booster at the beginning of the process. This paper presents an attempt to comprehend different burning dynamics through the recognition of external and internal factors that can influence fire intensity. The key results can be summarized as follows: (a) stable high temperatures can be achieved for many hours in both open (up to 1016.8 °C) and close-type (up to 862 °C) pyres involving the combustion of olive wood as a fuel; (b) the burning environment can affect the time necessary until the calcination of the skeleton, regardless of its stage of decomposition; (c) outdoor pyres are susceptible to external environmental factors such as weather, humidity, and wind intensity, which can result in greater temperature fluctuations; (d) increased personal presence and basic pyrotechnical knowledge are essential for any burning event, including the selection of appropriate fuel, the construction of an effective pyre, and the management of the fire during the burning process.