An investigation into the double tombs of mythical heroes in Pausanias

<p dir="ltr">Greek myths existed at a local level meaning that despite a hero being singular, multiple cities could claim to possess their body. These tombs played a significant role in the projection of a Greek city’s identity and in inter-city relationships. Despite recent scholarly interest in the phenomenon of duplicated hero tombs, only a limited number of case studies exist. This thesis produces the most comprehensive catalogue so far assembled of double tombs in the Imperial Period using evidence from Pausanias’ <i>Periegesis</i>. </p><p dir="ltr">Analysis of this catalogue of double tombs shows that they played a broad range of roles in different social and political contexts. This thesis argues that double tombs could be interpreted as two cities competing against each other for influence. Double tombs could also reflect a collaborative relationship between two cities as a shared mythical past reinforced the alliance. Double tombs could also exist without a direct connection between the two cities. The traditions emerged independently of one another and were used to create a civic identity. It will also argue that a tomb of an individual who became immortal reflects these dynamics and highlights the use of a tomb to communicate the identity and status of the city.</p>