Archaeologists have uncovered an unusually elaborate Early Bronze Age burial in Rafina, shedding fesh light on funerary practices in Attica more than 4,000 years ago.

The find, a large pithos burial dating to roughly 3200-2000 BC, was uncovered during salvage excavations by the Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica, carried out ahead of works to demarcate and stabilize a ravine. 

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Culture, the clay burial vessel was in a pit dug into the clay of the stream’s southern bank. It stands 1.74 m high and features horizontal handles at the widest part of its body, as well as the characteristic rope-like relief decoration around the neck and the handles. 

Its mouth was sealed by a sturdy semicircular wall constructed of river pebbles, while two large stones with smaller slab-like stones between them formed a pseudo-doorway into the interior of the vessel, complete with jambs and a threshold. 

Inside, on a layer of sand and pebbles, the bones of two individuals were found, covered by large stones that occupied almost the entire available space.

Inside, archaeologists found the skeletal remains of two individuals laid on sand and pebbles and covered with large stones. Grave goods included a bronze tweezer, obsidian points, pottery vessels and a small stone slab, pointing to the high status of the deceased and the care invested in the burial.

Nearby, a large circular pit showing evidence of long-term use and burning contained animal remains, including an equid skeleton, as well as pottery and bronze coins from later periods. Further analysis is expected to shed light on possible ritual practices involving animal sacrifices, as well as on the site’s enduring sacred character over time, the Athens-Macedonian News Agency reported.