The Copper Age burials of Sicily and the Maltese Islands : a study of the relevant archaeological data

Abstract

The Copper Age burials of Sicily and the Maltese Islands have often been compared and contrasted. Yet a complete survey including more of the Copper Age burials of both islands has never been done. This dissertation presents a survey of the Copper Age burials of Sicily and Sardinia in order to understand patterns and developments of tomb typology and death-ritual within one framework. The evidence of tomb typology, skeletal data, grave goods and other remains within the tombs is first presented in detail with the aid of tables and figures. Then from this evidence a discussion and interpretation is proposed. Indeed in this dissertation a survey of the Copper Age tombs is presented together with a discussion on pattern and development of the death-ritual, and location and landscape setting of the burials.