The discovery of a skull belonging to an Ancient Greek girl adorned with a ceramic flower wreath is a fascinating archaeological find. Dating back to approximately 400 to 300 B.C., this skull now rests in The New Archaeological Museum of Patras in Greece. The skull is part of a notable collection of female remains discovered in the North Cemetery of Patras during the Hellenistic period. Patras, located in the northern Peloponnese, is currently the third-largest city in Greece and serves as the regional capital of Western Greece. This particular period in history marks a time of Greek expansion and conquest. The collection of remains spans from the era following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the rise of Augustus in Rome in 31 BCE.
The Mystery of an Ancient Greek Girl’s Ceramic Wreath
What can we glean from this ancient Greek girl adorned with a ceramic wreath? Some archaeologists are skilled storytellers, while others pose numerous thought-provoking questions that pique our curiosity. Their presentations often extend beyond mere bones and fragmented pottery, infused with a touch of humor.
On International Archaeology Day or any other day, it is worth exploring the essence of this captivating field of study. Archaeologists embark on excavations with specific goals in mind: documenting and unraveling the origins of human cultures. Through the study of behavior and ecology, they seek to understand cultural histories and trace the path of evolution. But why was she buried with a ceramic flower wreath?
By focusing on the remains of this young girl—an individual who never reached adulthood—we can speculate about biological evolution, the significance of Greek youth during her time, and the transition from childhood to womanhood. Marriage rituals, religion, gender roles, sexuality, and children’s rites of passage all come into play. How did her community value nature and the arts? These are merely the beginnings of a profound exploration, which requires extensive historical research before unearthing bones, remnants of art, or tools.
The Ancient and Modern Problem of Social Equality
The story of this ancient Greek girl can be seen through the lens of patriarchy, sexuality, childbearing, and the meaning of marriage. Is marriage solely about love? If contemporary middle-aged men and women struggle with successful relationships, what does maturity truly entail?
In societies characterized by artisans and peasant farmers, notions of social responsibility and the age of awareness may differ. Moreover, in ancient times, nuclear families were scarce. This child was likely part of an extended community, raised by a whole village. Perhaps, when she was laid to rest, a crown was placed upon her head, symbolizing the lamentation that she died before experiencing marriage.
The crown may have denoted a royal status, whether factual or aspirational. How humans are buried can reveal more about those who organize funerals than the personality of the deceased. It is evident that someone cared deeply for this girl, and if she did indeed pass away on the day of her marriage, it was a heart-wrenching farewell.
The Dual Symbolism of Myrtle Wreaths in Ancient Greek Culture
Ancient wreaths were crafted from flowers, natural olive leaves, laurel leaves, and even gold. Fragrant myrtle held dual symbolism of love and death in the ancient Greek world. It is plausible that the young girl was not a child bride but simply met an untimely demise. The myrtle tree was once associated with the tragic fate of Hippolytus, an ancient Greek hero who perished after being dragged by his horses while fleeing Athens. In popular memory, this wreath may have signified tragedy as much as love and marriage.
Myrtle nymphs were prophetesses who imparted the arts of cheese-making, beekeeping, and olive cultivation to Aristaeus, the son of Apollo and Gyrene. Aphrodite, an early Greek goddess of love and spring, was initially known as Murcia, later interpreted as Myrtea, the goddess of myrtles. Could the wreath suggest that the young girl possessed emerging artistic talents?
Sacred myrtle grew in the groves of Eleusis, where initiates to the religious mysteries wore its leaves as wreaths. Myrtle, along with mint and rosemary, was burnt during funeral rituals since ancient times. Alternatively, the myrtle wreath may have been a customary funerary rite.
A Hidden or Complex Fate
In the fourth century B.C., Greek philosopher Theophrastus criticized superstitious Greeks who purchased myrtle boughs on the fourth and seventh days of each month to adorn their household gods. Hence, the myrtle wreath could have served as an offering to the gods on behalf of the ill-fated young girl.
In the first century A.D., Pliny mentioned a belief that a foot traveler carrying a myrtle stick or rod on a long journey would never experience weariness or boredom. Thus, myrtle symbolized strength for a journey—perhaps, in the case of this ancient Greek child, a journey to the afterlife.
The discovery of the skull of an Ancient Greek girl buried with a ceramic flower wreath offers a glimpse into the cultural practices and beliefs of that time. Through archaeological investigation and historical research, we can explore various aspects of her life, such as social dynamics, gender roles, and religious rituals. The significance of the ceramic flower wreath and the use of myrtle symbolism raise intriguing questions about love, death, and artistic potential. This find serves as a reminder of the rich history and complexities of ancient civilizations and the ongoing discoveries that shed light on their past.
