Tomb: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek 'taphos,' meaning a burial place.
• In Latin, it became 'tumulus,' suggesting a mound or hill, which describes some burial sites.

Historical Origins

• The earliest known tombs date back to ancient Egypt and were often built for pharaohs with elaborate decorations.
• Stone Age cultures built burial mounds called barrows, showing respect for the dead long before written history.
• Various civilizations, like the Romans and Chinese, constructed grand tombs reflecting their social status and beliefs in the afterlife.

Archaeology

• In 1922, Howard Carter discovered King Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt, which contained incredible treasures and helped us learn about ancient Egyptian culture.
• The Terracotta Army was found in a tomb near Xi'an, China, meant to protect the first emperor in the afterlife.
• Excavations of tombs have provided insights into burial practices, daily life, and rituals of ancient civilizations.

Literature

• Tombs often symbolize mortality and the passage of time in literature, representing a connection between life and death.
• Famous works like Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado' use tombs to explore themes of revenge and death.
• In Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet,' the tomb becomes a critical setting where fate intertwines with tragedy.

Culture

• Different cultures have unique tomb-building practices, from aztec pyramids in Mesoamerica to intricate mausoleums in South Asia.
• Nowadays, many people choose various types of burials, reflecting personal beliefs and traditions, including eco-friendly options.
• The architectural design of tombs can provide insights into the societal values of the culture they belong to, such as wealth, power, or a belief in the afterlife.

At #6,196 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6193 procure
• 6194 philosophers
• 6195 doubled
• 6196 tomb
• 6197 clever
• 6198 panic
• 6199 welcomed
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