This beehive shaped tomb for 70 people was uncovered in 1991, and immediately the speculation started that this was the tomb of Odysseus, of Homer's legend.  

It dates back to the right period, the Mycenaen, and shares features with other royal tombs, and the people of Kefelonia, and others, have long held that this island is the Ithaca Homer was trying to get back to.  At round seven metres in diameter, and with 70 bodies this is also one of the largest tombs of its type ever uncovered.  That many important people are bound to have been buried with some interesting and valuable artefacts, which include royal seals and gold jewellery – including a gold brooch matching a description of Homer's of Odysseus.  

The counter argument is that this royal tomb comes from a much later settlement, dating from around 1400BC These finds at least attest to the fact that there was an important settlement near this spot.  It's still the most important archaeological find on the island, and is well signposted as a place of interest for visitors. 

Written by  Nell Anderson.

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Review title
Your comment
Your rating
Your name
Your email address

 
 

Sponsored ads

  • Samos Walking Holiday

    7 night grade 2 hotel to hotel walking holiday. Enjoy coastal and inland routes plus magnificents shows of orchids in spring. From £472.

    www.inntravel.co.uk
  • Athens, Mykonos & Santorini Tour

    7 day tour exploring Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Enjoy the captial's highlights then explore or relax on the islands. From $1295.

    www.kensingtontours.com
  • Hooked On Cycling Holidays

    Hooked On Cycling holidays specialise in taking you to the best cycling regions in Europe with the best hand picked routes.

    www.hookedoncycling.co.uk
  • Up to £360 off Greek Island cruises

    Choose from a selection of Greek Island cruises this summer and save up to £360 per person.

    www.ewaterways.com
  • Central & Eastern Europe

    Visit the heart of Europe: mediaeval towns, imperial splendour & bistros in remote villages. Discover the variety of this region.

    www.tauck.com
  • Advertise here

Who's been here

No travelers have told us they have been here. Have you?

Similar experiences

  • Machu Picchu

    The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful ancient site…

  • Petra

    Situated in mountainous terrain, the ancient city of Petra is an abandoned necropolis of temples and tombs cut into towering cl…

  • Tikal

    The largest of the ancient Classic Mayan cities is spread out within the El Peten rainforest, in Northeastern Guatemala. The a…

What's nearby

  • Melissani Lake

    This underground cave and lake has a sheer opening up to the sky, and looking down into it it's easy to imagine why it was call…

  • Antisamos Beach

    This pebbly, turquoise watered beach nestles into a horseshoe shaped bay just around the corner from the town of Sami. Behind …

  • Kefalonia

    One of the largest Greek islands, Kefalonia is also one of Greece's fastest growing municipalities. With a population approachi…

Related content

Subscribe to newsletter Add an experience Share