An archaeological discovery made in the historical city of Ephesus in Türkiye has surprised scientists all over the world. During the excavation at this place, a grave about 1200 years old was found, but the most surprising thing was its location. This tomb was built under an old and disused Roman toilet near the world famous Artemis Temple. When archaeologists opened this carefully made tomb made of stones, two very small skeletons were found inside. Investigation revealed that these were the remains of prematurely born twins. According to the researcher, both the children were born between seven and seven and a half months of pregnancy. From the shape of their bones it was estimated that they might have been alive on earth for a very short time.
The study of this discovery was published in the journal named ‘Childhood in the Past’. Researchers Caroline Partiot and Lily Jabrana of the Austrian Academy of Sciences examined these skeletons thoroughly and said that the age of the two children was almost the same, so it is believed that they were twins. However, its final result will be known only after DNA testing.
Why did the grave surprise scientists?
During this research, one more thing was found out that an extra rib was found near the neck of one of the two children. This situation is called supernumerary cervical rib in scientific term. This is a kind of rare genetic change, which is seen only in about one percent of the world’s population.
Usually this extra rib does not cause any major problems, but in newborn children it is linked to a disturbance in the HOX gene that controls the development of the embryo. If there is a problem in this gene, then the development of the baby in the womb can be affected and sometimes premature death can also occur. Another aspect of this discovery forces scientists to think.
Most of the graves previously found in Ephesus were in the normal cemetery outside the temple, but instead of burying these two children there, a different place was chosen. The researcher believes that it is possible that these children were born prematurely and died before they could be baptized. According to Christian traditions at that time, baptism had special significance, so perhaps he would not have been allowed to bury him in a normal cemetery.
Despite this, the way a strong and safe grave was made of stones clearly shows that the family bid farewell to the children with full respect. This was not an ordinary burial, but a symbol of love and respect for him. Scientists did not find any evidence related to the children’s mother during the excavation. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether she also died during delivery or whether she survived. At that time the mortality rate of mothers and newborn children was quite high, so it is not easy to reach any definite conclusion. Yet this discovery gives us a rare glimpse of the feelings and traditions of the society 1200 years ago. These small skeletons found safe even after such a long time testify that the family left no stone unturned in bidding farewell to their children respectfully.
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