Myrtis: Face to Face with the Past

Honoring the deceased relative is an important component not only of the religious ceremonies, but also of the moral system of the society, both in ancient and modern Greece. The dignified farewell of the deceased assists the emotional discharge of the familiar persons, as they fulfill their “duty” to their beloved. The same purposes, along with the preservation of the memory of the deceased, accomplish all the postmortem ceremonies, which are performed periodically on the grave.

However, in certain occasions the relatives are not able to fulfill their sacred duty to the deceased. This was the case in the fatal plague that struck Athens between 430-426 B.C., during the Peloponnesian war. The large number of the cadavers did not allow for funeral ceremonies, but only for simple massive graves. In such a grave the eleven year old Myrtis was found, and was unexpectedly honored, 2500 years after her uncelebrated and premature death, with a scientific programme and an exhibition named after her.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki offers hospitality to Myrtis, not only because of the great importance of the scientific research, but also as a wish to honor the deceased girl from Athens, as a symbol of all the children who are unfairly lost due to diseases and war.

We hope that these exhibits we now offer to Myrtis, will accompany her during her endless journey…

In antiquity, children and teenagers were frequent victims of the fatal diseases and epidemics, as indicated by studies concerning children mortality. The death of those who did not have time to enjoy life and love was considered as one of the most tragic events.

In their graves were often placed children toys and figurines of gods related to childhood, such as Eros and Telesphoros, the protector of children. Common offerings were also vessels depicting children, as well as miniature vessels and feeders.

One of the few sculptures dated to 5th century B.C. in the Museum of Thessaloniki is a relief funerary pillar. It was the sign placed on the grave of a young girl from Thessaloniki, during the same era that Athenian Myrtis left life.

Golden wreaths, the beloved jewelry of both men and women, often accompanied the deceased during their last journey. Young girls and women of the Macedonian aristocracy wore mainly myrtle wreaths. Myrtle, from which derives the name Myrtis, was the sacred plant of Aphrodite and was a symbol of chastity and fertility. In Greece, even today, myrtle is used in adorning the bride.

Liana Stefani, Head of the Exhibitions Department, AMTH

Euridice Kefalidou, Head of the Ceramics, Frescoes and Mosaics Department, AMTH

Angeliki Koukouvou, Archaeologist, AMTH

Eleftheria Akrivopoulou, Archaeologist – Museologist, AMTH