Top 7 Oldest Cemeteries In The World

Old cemeteries hold a profound sense of history, melancholy, and reflection. These sacred grounds serve as a poignant reminder of our mortality, preserving the memories of those who came before us. 

The moment one steps into an old cemetery, they are transported back in time, surrounded by weathered tombstones, ornate mausoleums, and crumbling memorials, each bearing witness to a bygone era.

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Many of these cemeteries date back centuries, providing a glimpse into the lives and traditions of past generations. The tombstones bear witness to the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of those laid to rest, with varying symbols and epitaphs representing the beliefs and values of different periods.

Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest cemeteries in the world to ever exist.

7. Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague (1439)

Nestled in the heart of the city's Jewish Quarter, Josefov, this sacred burial ground holds a storied past that dates back over 600 years. As one of the most important historical sites for Jewish heritage in Central Europe, the cemetery offers a unique window into the rich and often turbulent history of the Jewish community in Prague.

The cemetery's origins can be traced back to the 15th century, a time when Jewish citizens were required by law to bury their dead in a limited space due to strict restrictions on their settlement. 

With space scarce and the Jewish community growing, the deceased were buried on top of each other, creating layer upon layer of graves. As a result, the Old Jewish Cemetery became a multi-level necropolis, with an estimated 12,000 tombstones visible today, but many more layers below the surface.

6. Jewish Cemetery "Holy Sand" (1058 - 1059)

Credit: Foteins Fotografie

The "Heiliger Sand" is an old Jewish cemetery located in the city of Worms, Germany. The name "Heiliger Sand" translates to "Holy Sand" in English. It is one of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in Europe and holds immense historical and cultural significance.

The Heiliger Sand Jewish Cemetery dates back to the early 11th century, with the earliest surviving tombstone dating from 1058, making it over a thousand years old. Over the centuries, the cemetery expanded and became the final resting place for generations of Jews from Worms and surrounding communities.

The burial ground is called "Heiliger Sand" due to the sandy soil traditionally used for Jewish burials. This soil was considered holy, and its use in the cemetery is a symbolic connection to the biblical account of burying the dead in the ground.

5. Okunoin Temple (819)

Credit: Japan Guide

The Old Okunoin Temple, also known as Koyasan Okunoin Temple, is one of the most revered and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan. Located on Mount Koya (Koyasan) in Wakayama Prefecture, this sacred site holds great spiritual significance and is considered one of the holiest places in the country.

The history of Okunoin Temple dates back over 1,200 years to the early 9th century when it was established by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai. Kobo Daishi was a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism and the founder of the Shingon School of Buddhism, one of the major branches of the religion.

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He chose Mount Koya as the location for his temple due to its remote and serene setting, ideal for spiritual practice and contemplation. Surrounding the main hall, the temple complex features a vast cemetery, known as the Okunoin Cemetery, where over 200,000 tombstones cover the forest floor.

4. Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery

The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, also known as the Har HaZeitim (in Hebrew), is one of the most ancient and revered burial grounds in the world. It is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel.

The cemetery's history can be traced back over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries still in use today. According to Jewish tradition, the Mount of Olives is a sacred site mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), associated with significant events and figures from Jewish history.

One of the most famous sites within the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is the Tomb of Absalom, known locally as Absalom's Pillar. It is a monumental tomb believed to be the burial place of Absalom, the rebellious son of King David from the Hebrew Bible.

3. Udegram Cemetery

Credit: ResearchGate

In 2012, a group of Italian archaeologists, led by Luca Maria Oliveri, made an announcement regarding the discovery of an ancient burial site in the village of Udegram, situated within Pakistan's Swat Valley. 

At the time, the remains found at the site had not undergone carbon testing, but the researchers believed that they likely belonged to individuals from the Dardic community. According to their analysis, the cemetery was in use from the latter part of the second millennium BCE to the first half of the first millennium BCE.

Despite continuous excavations in Udegram since the 1950s, it was during this particular expedition that the archaeologists finally observed the graves. They uncovered a total of 32 sealed tombs, which proved to be treasure troves of valuable artifacts. 

Among the findings were hairpins, spindles, copper and bronze adornments, exquisitely preserved pottery, and fragments of iron. The significance of these discoveries provided valuable insights into the cultural practices and material culture of the ancient inhabitants who were laid to rest at the cemetery.

2. Kerameikos (3000 BC)

The Kerameikos cemetery, located in Athens, Greece, is one of the most historically significant and well-preserved ancient burial grounds in the world. The name "Kerameikos" is derived from the Greek word "keramos," which means "potter" or "pottery," reflecting the area's association with potters and ceramic production during ancient times.

The cemetery dates back to the early Mycenaean period, making it over 3,500 years old. It was in use throughout various historical periods, including the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman eras, until the late Roman period.

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The cemetery was the final resting place for numerous Athenian citizens, military personnel, and notable figures from ancient Greek history. One of the most iconic features of the Kerameikos cemetery is the Street of Tombs, known as the "Dromos." It was a ceremonial road lined with grandiose tomb structures and sculptures, providing a striking entrance to the necropolis.

1. Gross Fredenwalde

Credit: ResearchGate

The ancient European burial ground known as Gross Fredenwalde is widely considered the oldest cemetery in the world. According to experts, it represents the earliest known instance of a "true cemetery," where individuals intentionally and carefully interred the deceased together.

Dating back to the Mesolithic era, this site is exceptionally rare, as finding multiple graves from this time period in one location is uncommon. The practice of communal burials did not emerge until approximately 3,000 years later.

As of 2016, archaeologists have unearthed nine skeletons at the site, and there are indications that many more remain undiscovered. Among these remains, five belonged to children under the age of six, with one being an infant. 

Remarkably, this infant skeleton holds the distinction of being the oldest ever found in Germany and one of the earliest in all of Europe. The graves and their contents offer valuable insights into the lifestyle and customs of early human societies during this period in history.

Source:

• Jurnal Soreang

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