Israeli archaeologists have discovered a burial cave containing the tomb of a Greek courtesan in the Via Hebron area of Jerusalem.
About it tells Heritage Daily. During the excavations, the cremated remains of a young woman were discovered, and with her a mirror-box from the late 4th to early 3rd centuries. BC. Archaeologists are convinced that the discovery is the oldest evidence of a cremation burial in Israel from the Hellenistic period.
In all likelihood, the woman was a companion or courtesan, a heteroa – in Ancient Greece, a woman leading a free, independent lifestyle, a public woman of the highest level. She could accompany a high-ranking military man or official during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Perhaps during the wars of the Diadochi – the successors of the outstanding commander.
Archaeologist Liat Oz, who led the excavations, said that the mirror found was the second of its type discovered in Israel. Similar folding items have previously been documented in tombs and Hellenistic temples. They were decorated with engravings or reliefs, often with figures of women or goddesses.
Such items symbolized luxury, and they could get to women in two ways: as part of a dowry before the wedding or as a gift that men gave to their hetaeras.
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