Columbarium Arm

A view of one of the four arms of the cruciform shaped interior of the largest and best-designed columbarium at Marisa.   Note the not-to-high platform—that almost looks like a triclinium.

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Many of the 2,000 pigeon/dove niches are visible.  Note the high smooth walls.  These evidently helped prevent predators from attacking the nesting birds.  Doves were used for sacrifices and for food.  Their dung could be used for fuel.

In the second century, this columbarium was turned into a market place!  There are about 85 columbaria at Marisa.  The total number of niches at Marisa is estimated to be 50 to 60,000.