Ancient shrine found in Greece

YahooNews ^ | 05.24.2007 | Staff reporter

[Daffynition]

ATHENS, Greece - Archaeologists in central Greece have discovered thousands of miniature clay pots and statuettes in the ruins of an ancient sanctuary possibly dedicated to the Three Graces, officials said on Wednesday.

In volume, it is one of the richest finds in recent years.

Excavations near Orchomenos, 80 miles northwest of Athens, revealed sparse remains of retaining walls from a small rural shrine, a Culture Ministry statement said.

But a rock-carved shaft was found to contain thousands of pottery offerings, dating from the early 5th century B.C. until at least the 3rd century B.C, the statement said.

The finds included miniature pots, clay figurines of women and animals, as well as clay busts and lamps.

"The identity of the deities worshipped there is not yet clear, but it is certain that they were goddesses associated with plant growth and fertility," the ministry statement said.

It said a famous sanctuary of the Three Graces — deities of growth and beauty — was known to have stood in ancient Orchomenos, and one of the offerings was inscribed with the name of Eurynome, mother of the Graces.

[Daffynition]

A rich find!

[starbase]

Very interesting. I always love when new windows into the ancient world are found.

[GRANGER]

This would pretty much eviscerate the Coca-Cola botttle design patent.

[Daffynition]

Yes, it’s wonderful! East-Asia is full of such places.

[Daffynition]

I think the coke bottle design was based on the cocoa pod.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks rainbow sprinkles.

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[bannie]

If I lived in Greece, I’d be digging through my floor in all of my spare time.

[Daffynition]

You'd be a very busy person! LOL ... I was at the ancient site of Sagalassos, standing by the side of the road on a hot summer day ... idling kicking the dirt, waiting for my driver ... and out fell the handle of an amphora.

They are so strict about antiquities, I just buried it again ...PHEW!

[bannie]

How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just to FIND it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t imagine how thrilling it would be to be able to actually dig in sites like that!!!!!!!!!

I really would be digging under my floor. Better’n TV!!!