TUMULUS Meaning and
Definition
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A tumulus is a term used in archaeology and ancient history to refer to a type of burial mound or barrow. It is a rounded or conical mound of earth or stones that covers a grave or gravesite. Tumuli were commonly constructed by various ancient cultures as a form of burial practice for their deceased.
These burial mounds can often be found in different parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The construction of tumuli usually involved piling up layers of soil, rocks, or other materials over the burial site, which often included the deceased, grave goods, and other offerings. Tumuli can range in size from small mounds to large monumental structures, depending on the prominence of the individual or the community buried within.
Tumuli are significant archaeological features that provide valuable insights into the burial practices, social structures, and religious beliefs of ancient societies. Excavation and study of tumuli can reveal information about the life, death, and the cultural context of the people who built them. Additionally, the presence of elaborate tomb structures and grave goods within tumuli can indicate the wealth, status, or importance of the individuals buried.
Today, tumuli serve as important historical landmarks and are often protected or preserved as cultural heritage sites. These ancient burial mounds continue to inspire curiosity, study, and research, contributing to our understanding of the past.
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A mound or hillock, anciently raised to mark a place of burial; a barrow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TUMULUS
- rumulus
- 6umulus
- 5umulus
- tymulus
- thmulus
- tjmulus
- t8mulus
- t7mulus
- tunulus
- tukulus
- tujulus
- tumylus
- tumhlus
- tumjlus
- tumilus
- tum8lus
- tum7lus
- tumukus
- tumupus
Etymology of TUMULUS
The word "tumulus" is derived from the Latin term "tumulus", meaning a raised mound or hillock. Latin borrowed this term from the earlier Proto-Indo-European root "*teuh₂-", which referred to swelling or swelling of the earth. The root gave rise to various related words across different Indo-European languages, such as the Old Irish "tumalu", the Old Norse "tjǫr", the Old English "torh", and the Old High German "zorn", all of which share the meaning of a hill or mound. The word "tumulus" is primarily used in archaeology to refer to a mound or barrow that covers a burial site.
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