Abstract
Edwin M. Carawan
Modern and Classical Languages
Missouri State University
Mnemata and family identity
Beginning in the late fifth century, Greek burials returned to conspicuous display, bringing more goods to a larger tomb (Morris 1992). This phenomenon may reflect an erosion of communal identity and the revival of elite yearnings for status distinctions, but it probably involves a congruence of causes. This paper explores one such factor: divisive litigation within elite families (following Humphreys 1983/93). In disputes over inheritance and citizenship (e.g. Dem. 43 & 57) we find that tending the tomb becomes a conventional proof of family identity; the rightful heir should show that he paid for the monument, led the funeral, and vigilantly excluded family enemies. The importance of asserting these claims at the tomb may also be reflected in the accumulation of horoi mnematon (IG ii2 2527-67).
Return to CACW 2006 "Household and Society in the Ancient World" Program