Grave Orientation
Philip Rahtz
The orientation of graves is the result many factors, and explanations for this custom are diverse. West—east frequent, explained by astronomical or theological considerations, which difficult to separate in practice; adoption Christian Church reflects earlier practice, rather than a new dogma. Some post-Roman cemeteries seem be orientated reference position sunrise. This allows possibilities determining season burial, even perhaps incidence plague. More scientific observation analysis needed resolve these problems, as well use well-dated evidence from modern graveyards.
The Archaeological Journal