An ancient human tooth belonging to a child and stunning figurines were recently uncovered at the Acropolis of Amphipolis, in the center of the ancient famous city of Macedonia.
During the annual two-day scientific meeting held in Thessaloniki this week, Dimitris Damaskos, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Patras, referred to the excavations of the previous year taking place.
He said that during the 2024 excavation period, the research was focused west of the early Byzantine Basilica III, where an elongated rectangular building has been uncovered, with strong walls whose lower floors are made of large, well-hewn mud bricks.
Only the western part of the building survives, while the rest has been destroyed by the Basilica. The findings so far date back to the initial construction phase in the 4th century BC.
The discovery of a human tooth from a child in early adolescence, an intact small bull figurine with a through hole in its body, and a small clay relief head of Asclepius, are among the most impressive findings of last year’s excavation.
Excavation at Amphipolis unearths cult building
The Greek professor believes that the variety and concentration of items found—including clay female figurines, figurine wombs, shells, and animal bones within a charcoal-rich layer—indicate the excavated area was used for cultic practices. This conclusion is supported by previous excavation findings.
In his presentation, Damaskos explained, “The excavation reveals a cult building, reconstructed in the 4th century BC, which we believe was dedicated to a female deity. This interpretation is drawn from movable artifacts, particularly a collection of female figurines, and indications suggesting rituals.”
A torso of Artemis was discovered, though its condition prevents precise dating. However, other finds from the cult building’s deposits, unearthed in 2019 and 2022, strongly suggest the site was dedicated to Artemis, Damaskos noted.
Specifically, a horse bust and oyster shell connect to the cult of Tavropol, which is a specialized aspect of Artemis’s worship focused on her role as a protector of young girls during their transition to womanhood.
Furthermore, the abundance of oysters west of the building reinforces this interpretation. These oysters, symbolizing the onset of menstruation, were likely left by young girls after ritual meals. Adding to this evidence, the rare discovery of a child’s tooth within a non-burial context this year is also seen as a votive offering to the patron goddess, he explained.
The discovery of the small head of Asclepius is fully explained in the cult context of Artemis. “Artemis, sister of Asclepius’ father Apollo, frequently appears alongside Asclepius,” he explained.
“Notably, in Amphipolis itself, Hellenistic marble trunks of Artemis and Asclepius were unearthed together during the excavation of a large ancient house near the acropolis. Furthermore, the discovery of a clay statuette of Pan in last year’s deposit of charred fruits, alongside the indication of Asclepius, strengthens the evidence for the goddess’s worship at this site.”
The history of Amphipolis
Amphipolis was an important ancient Greek polis (city), and later a Roman city, whose large remains can still be seen.
The city was originally a colony of ancient Athenians and was the site of the battle between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 BC.
It was later the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia in 335 BC. Alexander’s three finest admirals, Nearchus, Androsthenes and Laomedon, resided in Amphipolis. After Alexander’s death, his wife Roxana and their son Alexander IV were imprisoned and murdered in 311 BC.
Excavations in and around the city have revealed important buildings, ancient walls and tombs. The finds are displayed at the archaeological museum of Amphipolis. The Lion of Amphipolis monument nearby is a popular destination for visitors.
The nearby vast Amphipolis Tomb, or Kasta Tomb, has captivated both archaeologists and history enthusiasts worldwide since its discovery in 2012. The question of who is buried there remains a mystery.
The Amphipolis Tomb is the largest burial mound ever discovered in Greece and by comparison dwarfs that of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in Vergina.