For four years, Archaeologists from Switzerland and Greece have been working to excavate a 7th century BC temple dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting and the moon, Artemis.
Their ambitious mission seeks to unveil fresh insights into the enigmatic origins of an ancient cult associated with the deity.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the project was publicized in a press release from the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece.
The excavation has successfully uncovered the entire structure, bringing forth several unexpected revelations for experts to analyze. A surprising discovery includes the apsidal floor plan of the building, a rarity for structures of that era. Furthermore, the temple’s size exceeded researchers’ expectations, reaching 100 feet.
Giving insight into the philosophy of the cult, the temple’s hearths and altars were found inside the temple as opposed to outside, which was the norm for ancient Greek temples.
The stone structures had once been the site of large fires, where animals had been sacrificed to Artemis. Remnants of the animal sacrifices had also been found. Bone remnants were found in the thick layers of ash.
Vases, weapons, jewelry, and other exotic objects were also found, as well as a terracotta bull’s head from the late Bronze Age.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
