Children’s Cemetery in Astypalaia
The archaeological discovery of the children’s cemetery on the southwestern side of Kylindra in Astypalaia has drawn international attention since 1995. The findings from the site date back to the Geometric period.
Photo: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese.
The number of infants found buried in the children’s cemetery of Astypalaia is indeed astonishing. More than 3,000 infants were discovered buried using the method of enchytrismós—a practice in which the deceased were placed inside ceramic vessels that were then buried either in roughly built enclosures or shallow pits carved into the natural rock.
The reason behind this unusually large number remains unknown to this day. However, there are several possible explanations, which we will explore below:
1. Place of Worship – The Goddess Eileithyia
A daughter of Zeus and Hera, Eileithyia was believed to be the protector of women during childbirth, as indicated by inscriptions found in the vicinity of the cemetery. For this reason, the mass burial site is thought to have functioned as an act of devotion to the goddess, in hopes that future children might survive. Furthermore, inscriptions reveal that multiple female deities were venerated in the Castle area of Astypalaia—goddesses such as Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite, Hera, and even the Syrian goddess Atargatis.
Photo: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese.
2. The Devaluation of Infants
It is well known that in the past, infants and newborns had lower survival rates than they do today—especially in ancient times. As a result, a societal mindset developed in which these tiny beings were not considered full members of the community until they reached a certain age. Thus, their burial was not given much importance, nor were they honored with offerings or rituals as older members of society were, since the law actually prohibited it.
3. Medical Center
Inscriptions discovered near the cemetery mention the name of Idriarhos, a physician from Rhodes. This detail may suggest the possible existence of a specialized medical center near the island of Hippocrates. It is speculated that women may have come here to give birth or even to terminate pregnancies. Moreover, inscriptions referring to Asclepius, the god of medicine, have also been found.
4. Unwanted Infants
Finally, there is speculation that this area may have served as a place for abandoning unwanted babies.
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