larnax

English

a larnax

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek λάρναξ (lárnax).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈlɑːnæks/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈlɑɹnæks/

Noun

larnax (plural larnakes or larnaxes)

1. (archaeology, historical) A small closed coffin, box or cinerary urn often used as a container for human remains in Ancient Greece.
   • 1907, Ronald M. Burrows, The Discoveries In Crete, page 101:

     In a chamber tomb at Milatos, Mr. Evans discovered in 1899 a painted larnax or sarcophagus, on which there is figured a great Mycenæan body shield.

   • 1973, Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, volumes 37-41, page 24:

     The borders found on the sarcophagus also occur in similar positions on the terracotta larnakes.

   • 1992, Rivka Gonen, Burial Patterns and Cultural Diversity in Late Bronze Age Canaan:

     Burial in larnaxes was first practiced in Crete in the Early Minoan period (EM) and its popularity grew in the Middle Minoan period (MM).

   • 2005, Yiannis Papadatos, Tholos Tomb Gamma: A Prepalatial Tholos Tomb at Phouni, Archanes:

     Black painted band on the upper surface of the larnax rim, extended below the rim, both inside and outside.

Translations

small closed coffin, box or cinerary urn

• Armenian:

  Old Armenian: լեառնակ (leaṙnak)

• German: Larnax
• Greek: λάρναξ (el) (lárnax), λάρνακα (el) (lárnaka)

  Ancient: λάρναξ (lárnax)