Temple Dedicated to Demeter Unearthed in Ancient City of Aigai: Nearly 1,000 Miniature Hydriae Discovered

Ongoing excavations at the ancient city of Aigai in the Yuntdağı region of Manisa’s Yunusemre district have brought to light a temple dedicated to Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility.
The excavation is led by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sezgin, Head of the Department of Archaeology at Manisa Celal Bayar University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dating back to the 8th century BC, Aigai was one of the 12 cities founded by the Aeolian Greeks in Western Anatolia. Until now, the site was known for its temples dedicated to Athena and Apollo. This season’s work focuses on a newly explored sacred area believed to have been devoted to Demeter, identified through an inscription discovered in 1886 by German researchers.

A Hidden Sanctuary on the Edge of the Cliffs

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Prof. Dr. Sezgin explained that excavations are taking place about 30 meters west of the theater, near the city walls and rocky cliffs:

“This year, we are investigating a previously unexcavated part of the city. The structure dates back to the Hellenistic period and consists of two small rooms. Based on an inscription found in the 19th century, it is dedicated to the goddess Demeter.”

Sezgin emphasized Demeter’s symbolic role as the deity of fertility and abundance, noting that in Aigai—a city surrounded by barren terrain—arable land was scarce, which made the goddess especially significant to the local community.

Nearly 1,000 Miniature Water Jars Found

The team uncovered around 1,000 miniature hydriae (water jars) within the two-room sanctuary, which spans an area of about 50 square meters. Prof. Dr. Sezgin highlighted their ritual meaning:

“Water symbolized abundance and prosperity. It was the lifeblood of agriculture, making it extremely valuable. These miniature vessels were offerings—likely filled with water from natural springs and poured out as a gift to the goddess or left as votive offerings.”

Although the temple suffered heavy damage during illicit digs in the 1960s, numerous votive objects have survived, providing valuable insights into ancient practices.

Aigai’s Pagan Heritage Revealed

With previously identified sanctuaries of Athena and Apollo, Aigai now offers new perspectives on pagan belief systems through this Demeter temple. Prof. Dr. Sezgin noted, “These findings clearly demonstrate the devotion of Aigai’s inhabitants to the goddess of agriculture and fertility.”

Cover Photo: Aerial view of the excavation area in the ancient city of Aigai, where a Hellenistic-period temple dedicated to Demeter is being unearthed. Credit: Ahmet Bayram/AA