A CHAMBER GRAVE FROM PRUSA AD OLYMPUM (BURSA)

The ancient city of Prusa ad Olympum was first founded during Hellenistic Period and since then it has developed and extended through the centuries. Although, its Ottoman Period is relatively well preserved, the archaeological data about the early periods of Prusa ad Olympum is rather insufficient. A well preserved Hellenistic chamber grave about 400 m. eastward of Hisariçi (where the ancient city situated on) was unearthed during the rescue excavations in 1969. Despite the extended period of time from its discovery until now and its importance in terms of the city history, the tomb was rarely and undetailed mentioned in a few publications. The aim of the article is to discuss the architectural characteristics, building technique, burial customs and the grave goods of the tomb by using a holistic approach. The significance of the tomb in Bithynian burial tradition in the Hellenistic Period in terms of tomb architecture and burial customs will also be examined within the scope of the article.