Tomb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tomb
[tum ]
Definition
burial site
A tomb is a place where a dead body is buried, typically above ground and marked with a stone or monument. Tombs are often associated with religious or cultural rituals and can vary in size and design.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ancient pharaohs of Egypt were buried in elaborate tombs filled with treasures.
- The tomb of the unknown soldier is a memorial to all unidentified soldiers who died in war.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'tomb'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'tomb' originated from the Old French word 'tombe', which came from the Latin word 'tumba'. The concept of tombs has been present in human history for thousands of years, with various civilizations and cultures having different practices and beliefs surrounding burial sites.
See also: entomb, entombment.