Tomb facts for kids
A tomb is a special place built to bury people who have died. Tombs are usually more fancy and expensive than a simple grave. They are often made to honor the person who passed away and to be a place where living people can visit and remember them.
The word "tomb" comes from the Greek word "tumbos." It generally means any enclosed space or room built to hold the remains of the dead. Sometimes, it also holds their belongings. This word can describe many different kinds of burial places.
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Types of Tombs
Tombs come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the culture, time, and how important the person was.
Mausoleums
A mausoleum is a large, impressive building that holds the tomb or tombs of one or more people. They are often built for important families or leaders. One famous example is the Taj Mahal in India, which is a huge mausoleum.
Catacombs
Catacombs are underground tunnels or rooms used as burial places. They were often used in ancient times when there wasn't enough space for graves above ground. The Catacombs of Rome are a well-known example, with many tunnels filled with tombs.
Pyramids
In ancient Egypt, pyramids were massive stone structures built as tombs for pharaohs (kings). The pharaohs believed these pyramids would help them reach the afterlife. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous pyramid.
Rock-Cut Tombs
Some tombs are carved directly into natural rock formations or cliffs. These are called rock-cut tombs. They can be found in many ancient civilizations, like in Petra, Jordan, where entire cities were carved into stone.
Why Are Tombs Built?
People build tombs for several reasons:
- To honor the dead: Tombs show respect and remembrance for the person who has passed away.
- For religious beliefs: Many cultures believe in an afterlife, and tombs can be part of their religious practices for the journey after death.
- To mark a place: Tombs serve as a permanent marker for where someone is buried, allowing family and friends to visit.
- To show importance: Elaborate tombs often show the wealth or power of the person or family buried there.
Famous Tombs Around the World
Many tombs around the world are famous because of their history, beauty, or the important people buried inside.
The Tomb of Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. His tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. It was special because it was mostly untouched and filled with amazing treasures. This discovery taught us a lot about ancient Egyptian burial customs.
The Terracotta Army
In China, the Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. They were buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife. It's a huge and incredible tomb complex.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey in London, England, is not just a church. It's also the burial place for many British kings, queens, poets, and important figures. It has many tombs and memorials inside.
Images for kids
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A type of tomb: a mausoleum in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
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The Ohel, gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbes Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn and Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and meditation
