SCIENCE & TECH: Sacred Waters: Nearly 1,000 Miniature Vessels Found in Demeter Temple

Archaeologists excavating the ancient Greek city of Aigai in western Turkey have uncovered a remarkable temple dedicated to Demeter, goddess of agriculture and fertility, containing nearly 1,000 miniature water vessels that illuminate ancient Greek religious practices. This discovery offers unprecedented insights into how communities in barren landscapes sought divine intervention for agricultural prosperity over 2,000 years ago.

The excavation, led by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sezgin from Manisa Celal Bayar University, has revealed a Hellenistic-period sanctuary spanning approximately 50 square meters with two interconnected rooms. Located strategically near rocky cliffs about 30 meters west of the ancient theater, this sacred space was first identified through a 19th-century German inscription that confirmed its dedication to Demeter, one of the most important deities in the ancient Greek pantheon.

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