The Neolithic settlement of Soufli Magoula is located 5 km northwest of Larissa and dates to the Early Neolithic (6500-5600 BC). During the excavations of K. Gallis (1974-1976), 12 cremations and remains of two pyres were found on the edge of the settlement. The anthropological study of the bones has been carried out by N. Xirotyris (1982). The cremations from Soufli Magoula are the earliest cases of the use of fire in the manipulation of the dead in northern Greece.
During the TEFRA research project, the burnt human remains from seven cremations, two pyres, and the burnt bone assemblages found in various settlement areas will be studied extensively. The burnt bones from Soufli Magoula were found in pits and in two trenches interpreted as primary cremation sites by the excavator. However, the relationship between the areas remains unknown, while the relationship with the settlement dating to the same phase is undetermined. Human remains were often accompanied by animal bones and grave goods such as pottery and stone tools.
References
Gallis, Κ. Ι. (1982). Καύσεις Νεκρών από τη Νεολιθική Εποχή στη Θεσσαλία (Athens, Tameio Archaeologikon Poron kai Apalotrioseon)
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki