Macedonian Tomb of Spilia: A rare insight into the funerary customs of Ancient Macedonia

It is a two-chambered tomb, measuring 3.36×6.52 meters, with a monumental Doric façade and a free pediment that hides the single arch of the cover. Four Doric semi-columns, two on either side of the doorway opening, form the false supports of the entablature. Between the semi-columns are sculpted shields with painted floral decoration. 

The burial practices used are burial and cremation. The dead (seven or eight) were accompanied by funerary objects, such as personal belongings (strigils, fibulae, knives), pottery (amphorae, plates, lagenoi, unguentaria, bowls), and other objects (amphorae, lamps, figurines, coins). The finds place the use of the monument from the second quarter of the 2nd to the last quarter of the 1st century BC. However, its typological comparison with other similar tombs probably brings it back to the end of the 4th century BC, suggesting that the tomb was cleared of earlier burials.

This monument, as well as the smaller Macedonian tomb of Pyrgoi of Eordaia, is dated to the end of the 4th century BC. The discovery of a similar tomb in Liknades in Voio confirms the common identity of burial customs and practices between Lower and Upper Macedonia.

During the restoration of the Macedonian tomb, five other tombs were identified and excavated, suggesting that this was a broad necropolis.