Archaeologists in Greece have unearthed a 2,700-year-old temple adjacent to the Temple of Amarysia Artemis on the island of Evia. The newly discovered temple, constructed of bricks and measuring 100 feet (30 meters) in length, features a unique horseshoe-shaped altar brimming with offerings. The Temple of Amarysia Artemis was initially found in 2017. The recent excavation in 2023 revealed numerous structures within the newly discovered temple, including hearths and an ash-covered altar laden with offerings such as pottery, vases, Corinthian alabaster, gold and silver jewelry adorned with coral and amber, amulets, and bronze and iron fittings. Charred bone fragments were also present on the altar.
Remarkably, some pottery fragments predate the newly found temple, suggesting that the altar may have originally been situated outside and later moved indoors. Further investigation indicated that in the sixth century B.C., brick partitions were added to reinforce the sanctuary’s core, hinting at partial destruction by fire. Below the temple, archaeologists uncovered dry stone walls from a different ancient building, bronze figurines resembling bulls and a ram, remnants of eighth and ninth-century B.C. structures next to the initial temple, and a fortification system dating back to the early Copper Age (4000 to 3500 B.C.). The rich discoveries provide valuable insights into the historical and architectural evolution of the site.
