Tophet cemeteries are definitely different from other cemeteries in Phoenician sites: they are always cremations in urns, they include animals treated in the same way, and their human populations are always only of very young children. Stele in tophets are of a votive and not a funerary character: they say that something (the gift is never specific) has been offered or dedicated to a deity. Inscriptions from Carthage's main cemetery typically report the name (and genealogy) of the interred person.
Wendy Windust on 16 Dec 08elcome to our virtual temple. Ancient Egyptians made offerings to many gods and goddesses as well as to their deceased family members. Giving offerings was an important part of their religion; it also fueled their economy. Explore this section of our web site to learn more about the concept of offerings and what items made up a typical Egyptian offering table. When the exhibition was on view at the Museum, you could select images and write poems to make you own special offering to the gods. Now that the exhibition is closed you can see the offerings people made. You can stil select images with your mouse to create a virtual offering.
