New Insights into Religious Practices in Ancient Greece
Archaeologists working in Amphipolis, an ancient city in northern Greece, have uncovered the remains of a cult centre dating back to the 4th century BC. This significant find sheds light on religious practices in the region and offers new clues about ancient Greek deities worshipped in the city.
Amphipolis: A City of Shifting Power
Originally founded as an Athenian colony in 465 BC, Amphipolis quickly became a strategic stronghold. However, the settlement faced destruction when the Thracians massacred its first inhabitants. In 437 BC, the Athenians re-established the city, turning it into a key power base in Thrace.
Discovery of a Cult Centre
A team led by Professor Dimitris Damaskos has been investigating a Byzantine Basilica in Amphipolis. During excavations, they uncovered traces of an earlier rectangular adobe brick structure, which dates back to the 4th century BC.
According to the University of Patras, archaeologists discovered a large concentration of artifacts, including:
Fragments of female clay figurines
Figurine molds
Remnants of seashells, fish, and small animals
Layers of charcoal and burnt materials
These findings strongly suggest that the site was a cult building that underwent reconstruction during the 4th century BC. Based on the nature of the artifacts, researchers believe it was dedicated to a female deity.
A Shrine to Artemis Tauropolos?
Initially, experts thought the site was linked to Cybele, a mother goddess often worshipped in Metroön temples. However, recent discoveries suggest the sanctuary may have been dedicated to Artemis Tauropolos, an aspect of the Greek goddess Artemis associated with hunting and bulls.
Evidence supporting this theory includes:
Numerous female figurines
A sculpted torso of Artemis
Artifacts linked to rites of passage
Previously unearthed objects, such as a horse bust and oyster shell, both symbolic of Artemis Tauropolos
Although no inscriptions have been found to confirm the deity’s identity, Byzantine-era inscriptions at the site mention Tauropolos, reinforcing the connection. Additionally, the discovery of a small clay head of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, provides further insight into the religious significance of the area.
Unraveling Amphipolis’ Spiritual Past
The discovery of this cult centre deepens our understanding of Amphipolis’ spiritual and cultural history. As archaeologists continue to analyze the site, further findings may offer even more revelations about the rituals, deities, and religious practices of ancient Greece.
