New discovery unveils mystery of ancient cemetery for infants on Astypalea island

·

The study of the largest ancient cemetery for infants found on Astypalea island in Greece continues, shedding light on the worship of the goddess of childbirth and the Earth mother.

The Dodecanese Ephorate of Antiquities, which is carrying out the study, has found that almost all the infants buried there were newborns or, at most, a few months old. There are also a few toddlers that were up to two years of age.

The bodies of the babies were placed in pots, mainly amphorae or hydrias, then buried in shallow pits with stones on top, which signaled there was a tomb there. In ancient times, this was the common way to bury babies.

But what distinguishes the children’s cemetery of Astypalea is the huge number of tombs and its use for almost a millennium.

The bodies of the babies were placed in pots. Source: Ephorate of Antiquities of Dodecanese.

The infant cemetery:

Burials at the ancient cemetery began in the 8th century BC. and date back to the 2nd century AD, in the Roman imperial era. So far, 3,000 vessels with baby skeletons have been excavated, but many more are still in the cemetery. 

With few exceptions, the tombs had no offerings, something common for cases of newborns and infants since they were not considered “normal” people and thus, were not buried with ceremonies and the customs and traditions of the time.

The number of tombs and the fact that the vessels come from various parts of the Mediterranean indicate that it is possible many of the infants did not belong to the inhabitants of Astypalea. 

But why would women who were not locals bury their children there?

The infant ceremony. Source: Ephorate of Antiquities of Dodecanese.

There are various theories as to why ancient Astypalea was chosen as the place to bury so many babies.

The most realistic theory for the existence of the children’s cemetery is that maybe in Astypalea there was a sanctuary where women went to give birth.

Indeed, inscriptions have been found on the island that mention Asclepius, the god of medicine, but also Artemis Eileithyia, protector of the midwives. The latter seems more likely to be associated with the presence of newborns and infants on the island. 

Such sanctuaries existed in other parts of the Greek world, but perhaps that of Astypalea was one of the most famous and had pan-Hellenic significance.

Source: The Good Life.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic at a crossroads: Damon Hanlin on Belmore, finances and the future

As construction threatens its home, Sydney Olympic enters a new era - chasing stability, respect and results on the national stage.

Cypriot community gathers in Sydney to mark 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus Community of NSW hosted a special commemoration on Sunday, marking 65 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Sydney’s Lemnian community marks 113 years since the liberation of Lemnos

The Lemnian Association of Sydney and New South Wales “Maroula” marked the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos.

Pan-Macedonian Association marks 42 years of Dimitria Festival in Sydney

With full formality, the Macedonian celebrations “Dimitria” began on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year.

Australian Embassy in Athens hosts book launch on Australia’s first Greek female settler

The Australian Embassy in Athens hosted the launch of Η Πρώτη Έποικος (The First Settler) on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

You May Also Like

Wildfire burns Athenian suburbs as Greece calls on EU for help

A major wildfire which raged out of control in the northern suburbs of Athens on Monday, August 12 has shown improvements.

Sydney’s Greek community join together to commemorate the Athens Polytechnic Uprising

The 48th anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising was commemorated on Sunday with an event organised by GOCNSW and CUGA.

Dr. Nina Papalia awarded fellowship to examine impacts of child maltreatment

Dr. Papalia’s study is expected to provide new evidence about how child abuse is linked to youth re-victimisation and offending.