Megalithic Cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker Culture in the Sandomierz Upland

Abstract

Florek M. 2020. Megalithic Cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker culture in the Sandomierz Upland. Sprawozdania Archeologiczne 72/1, 213-232. In the Sandomierz Upland, 39 confirmed or putative cemeteries of the Funnel Beaker culture have been disco vered so far, in addition to 4 burials found within settlements. Archaeological excavations have been conducted on 17 of these cemeteries, and on 8 of them large stone tombs have been discovered. The most common form of the megalithic tombs are very long trapezoids, built along a west-east axis, with stone casing on their sides, and a large, post-framed room in the eastern, wider part of the trapezoid. The main grave, covered with a mound of earth, could be found behind the room, containing two parallel chambers, or a single tomb, most often with double burials. Large tombs are accompanied by flat graves, usually constructed using stone material. Clear examples of funerary practices include deposits of flint tools and items, as well as the peculiar treat ment of bodies discovered on some cemeteries, which might be described as apotropaic and anti-vampire rituals.