Sanctuary of Artemis at Amarynthos

Ιερό Αρτέμιδος Αμαρυσίας

Greece · Central Greece, Euboea

Temple / ritual siteIntermittent excavation
Approximate period800 BCE — 300 CEGeometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic See on the map ↓

In brief

The identity of the sanctuary of Artemis associated with Eretria was confirmed in 2017 through inscribed finds. Excavations have uncovered successive temples on the same site and the sanctuary's monumental buildings.

What was found?

  • 1Apsidal Archaic temple

    The temple, dating to the 7th century BC, is 34 meters long and has a rounded rear end. Its plan and dimensions show the diversity of early Greek temple architecture.

  • 2Altars and ash layers inside the temple

    Thick layers of ash containing burnt animal bones were found around stone platforms. According to the excavation team, these are traces of animal offerings performed inside the temple.

  • 3Inscribed blocks bearing the names of deities

    Blocks reused in the steps of a well bear the names of Artemis, Apollon, and Leto. Another inscription explicitly mentions the sanctuary of Artemis at Amarynthos, confirming the site's identity.

  • 4Monumental stoa

    The colonnaded gallery, dating to the late 4th century BC, was built over earlier structures. It shows that the sanctuary was expanded in later periods.

  • 5Assemblage of votive objects

    Vessels with figural decoration, terracotta figurines, gold jewelry, and weapons including a bronze shield were recovered from the temple foundations. They document the diversity of gifts offered to Artemis.

What does it point to?

The finds at Amarynthos show that the worship of Artemis was supported by monumental buildings and varied votive offerings. According to researchers, the altars inside the temple indicate that some animal offerings here were performed within an enclosed building.

What did it teach us?

  1. Established the location of the sanctuary of Artemis Amarysia through inscriptions.
  2. Showed that apsidal plans and large building dimensions could be used in early temples.
  3. Documented burnt remains and bone remains associated with offerings inside the temple.

Latest news / selected archive

The 2023 excavations completed the plan of the 34-meter-long apsidal temple dating to the 7th century BC and identified altars inside it associated with sacrificial practices.

Record

Culture
Ancient Greek
Team / historical
Yunanistan İsviçre Arkeoloji Okulu ve Eğriboz Eski Eserler Dairesi; Sylvian Fachard ve Angeliki Simosi
Coordinates
38.3870°, 23.9091°

Sources

  1. esag.swiss
  2. college-de-france.fr
  3. esag.swiss
  4. topostext.org

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