Ancient Amphipolis Acropolis Unveils Remarkable Finds: A Child’s Tooth and a Clay Relief Head of Asclepius

Excavations at the acropolis of Amphipolis, located in the heart of the renowned ancient city of Macedonia, continue to reveal significant artifacts. These discoveries provide fascinating insights into the connections between this ancient city and other important administrative and religious centers across Greece. During an annual scientific conference held in Thessaloniki on archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace, Professor Dimitris Damaskos of Classical Archaeology at the University of Patras discussed last year’s excavations at the acropolis of Amphipolis. This systematic excavation began in 2019 and is conducted by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres, led today by Dr. Dimitra Malamidou, and the University of Patras. Notable finds include a human tooth from a child at the onset of adolescence, a complete small bull idol with a perforated body, and a small clay relief head of Asclepius. Professor Damaskos emphasized that during the 2024 excavation period, research focused west of the Early Byzantine Basilica G, revealing a long rectangular building with strong walls, the lower courses of which are preserved from large well-dressed poros stones. The findings so far date back to the early phase of construction in the 4th century BC. The nature of artifact collections (fragments of clay female idols, pieces from clay idol molds, numerous oyster shells, bones of small animals and fish found in rich carbon deposits) combined with previous excavation findings suggest a cultic function of the area where excavations took place. The overall image of the uncovered space points to a sacred building likely dedicated to a female deity, possibly Artemis Tauropolus, based on numerous female idols and indications related to rites of passage. Among the most recent discoveries was a child’s tooth, interpreted as a votive offering to the protective deity. Furthermore, the discovery of a small clay head of Asclepius fits within the worship context of Artemis, whose brother Apollo is the father of Asclepius. Despite these clues, no definitive identification can be made without further epigraphic evidence.