Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
necropolis
noun
/nɛkəˈrɒpəlɪs/
Definition
A large, elaborate cemetery with tombs and funerary monuments, typically from ancient times.
Examples
- The ancient Egyptians built the famous necropolis near Giza, which included the Great Pyramids.
- Visitors often roam through the necropolis, admiring the intricate carvings on the tombs.
- The city’s necropolis reflected the importance of the afterlife in its cultural beliefs.
Meaning
The term ‘necropolis’ literally means ‘city of the dead.’ It refers to a burial site that often resembles a city, characterized by its structures and layout.
Synonyms
- cemetery
- burial ground
- tomb complex
- graveyard
