Dispatch · Archaeology

Infant Twin Burial in Ancient Ephesus Linked to Omen Beliefs

· via independent.co.uk · Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey

Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey

Archaeologists have uncovered a cist grave containing two perinatal individuals, likely twins, inside an abandoned Roman latrine channel near the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey. Researchers Caroline Partiot and Lilli Zabrana of the Austrian Archaeological Institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences analyzed the remains. They estimated that the infants died at 33 to 34 weeks of gestation. While the latrine channel was constructed in the 2nd or 3rd century AD, the burial itself dates to the 8th or 9th century AD.

The researchers report that the grave shows features characteristic of Christian burial customs, such as an east-west orientation. This orientation suggests the interment was deliberate and respectful rather than a simple disposal of remains. In addition, the researchers suggested that because the infants were likely twins, their birth might have been viewed as an ill omen in the local community.

Common Questions

Where were the infant remains found in Ephesus?
The remains were discovered inside an abandoned Roman latrine channel near the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey.
Why do researchers think the birth was seen as an ill omen?
Researchers suggested that the birth could have been considered an ill omen because the infants were likely twins. However, they note the burial itself was conducted deliberately and respectfully according to Christian customs.