Topic: History
Two babies were buried side by side in an ancient Roman concert hall over 1,200 years ago. They may have been twins and had a rare extra rib bone. Their grave was discovered in Ephesos, Turkey.
More than 1,000 years ago, two babies were tucked away in an abandoned Roman toilet channel.
They were not discarded but rather buried with care in the ancient Roman concert hall. The tiny cist grave lay hidden and was lined with tiles and stones near one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.
Archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute discovered the burial site. They found that the babies were born about six weeks early and may have been twins. The study suggests they might have been wrapped in shrouds before being buried.
A mysterious bone was also found among the remains - an extra rib growing from a neck vertebra, just 5 millimeters long. This is only the second time such a case has been reported in an infant grave.
Why It Matters
This discovery shows us how ancient populations cared for their children and how rare twin burials were. It also highlights the importance of preserving historical sites and learning from them.
Key Facts
- Two babies were buried side by side over 1,200 years ago in an ancient Roman concert hall in Ephesos, Turkey.
- They may have been twins and had a rare extra rib bone.
- Their grave was discovered by archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute.
- The babies were born about six weeks early and may have been wrapped in shrouds before being buried.
- This is only the second time such a case has been reported in an infant grave.
Key Terms
- Bioarchaeologist
- A scientist who studies human remains from ancient times to learn about past cultures.
Implications
This discovery shows us how ancient populations cared for their children and how rare twin burials were. It also highlights the importance of preserving historical sites and learning from them.
Leave a comment