During excavations at a sanctuary in Evia, Greece, archaeologists discovered artifacts dating back more than 2,000 years that strongly suggest the ancient site’s temple belonged to the goddess Artemis.
While the temple itself remains unfound, last Thursday’s findings included bronze and ceramic figurines and fragments of statues, including a base bearing inscriptions dedicated to the goddess, her brother Apollo and their mother Leto.
After 10 years of excavations, scientists from the Swiss Archaelogical School in Greece and the Evia Ephorate of Antiquities had originally uncovered the site in Amarynthos, east of Evia, in September 2017.
Professor Karl Reber, director of the Swiss school, and Amalia Karappaschalidou, Honorary Ephor of Antiquities of Evia, have led the 2018 study since June, their main focus being the central part of the sanctuary, where they are looking to uncover the ancient temple and altar.
The recent findings helped identify buildings that were excavated over the past decade at the sacred site, which, according to ancient writings, was one of Evia’s most important sanctuaries.
A ceramic statuette of a woman found by Greek and Swiss archaeologists at the Sanctuary of Artemis Amarysia, east of Amarynthos in Evia. (Photo / Eurokinissi)
A 12 cm bronze quiver believed to have been from a statue of the goddess Artemis. (Photo / Eurokinissi)
The age range of the sanctuary’s buildings and artifacts spans from roughly 530 to 323 BCE; however, researchers this year examined remains of a large building measuring 20 m lengthwise that they estimate to be from 610 BCE, adding that the structure sits on top of yet another building thought to be centuries older.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the archaeologists’ examination of three land plots within the sanctuary yielded new information about its southern limits, but details regarding others remain uncertain.
“The western boundaries, where the main entrance is assumed to have been for someone coming from Eretria, remain unknown,” the ministry said. “Because the area has been built up with homes.”
The ministry said the site’s religious significance was likely restored in the second century and continued for another after a natural disaster had destroyed its main temple in the first century BCE
Scholars suggest the temple later helped to strengthen the border of Eretria, an important ancient Greek city during the fifth and sixth centuries BCE.
*****
Since you’re here… I have a small favor to ask.
More and more people than ever before are reading The Pappas Post and despite increasing costs to maintain the site and provide you with the quality content that you deserve, I will never “force” you to pay for our website or add a paywall. I believe in the democracy of the internet and want to keep this site and its enriching content free for everyone. But at the same time I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep it both high quality— and free. We’ve implemented a “free-will” annual subscription for those who want to support our efforts. I guess it’s fair to call it a philotimo subscription… because you don’t have to do it but it’s really the right thing to do if you love the site and the content we publish. So if you like The Pappas Post and want to help, please consider becoming a “philotimo subscriber”. Click here to subscribe. If you’d rather make a one time donation, we will gladly accept any amount, with appreciation. Click here to donate any amount.
