Archaeologists discover evidence of burned floral bouquets in ancient Cypriot tombs

Mourners living in Cyprus roughly 3,400 years ago burned bouquets of whole plants during funeral ceremonies, Archaeology Magazine reported, citing the Greek Reporter. Charred botanical remains were discovered within four tombs at Hala Sultan Tekke. The site is an ancient harbor city located on the southeastern coast of the island. [1]

Teresa Bürge of the Austrian Academy of Sciences led a team that detected the burnt plant material inside two ceramic jugs from one tomb, Archaeology Magazine reported. Laboratory analysis of the organic residues revealed that one jug contained barley, multiple wheat varieties, figs, lentils, marigold, chrysanthemum, and mallow. [1]

Flower bouquets are arrangements of blossoms traditionally selected for handheld display or home decoration, and they are commonly utilized in funeral rites across many cultures. While botanical remains often degrade quickly in archaeological contexts, charred residues inside ceramic vessels can preserve plant structures over several millennia. [1][3]