Lemnian Amazons

Recent discoveries - research campaign 2003

The objective of this exploring expedition was to increase our knowledge of last year's campaign. For this reason we have again thoroughly investigated the important prehistoric sites Poliochni, Myrina and Ifestia (Hephaistia). Furthermore, we succeeded in making new discoveries - the sacred mountain Kakavos and the cave sanctuary at Kavirio.

The sacred mountain Kakavos
The place of worship is inside a cave on the mountain top which obviously was a cult place since prehistoric times. The ritual place resembles an uterus, therefore it is not very astonishing that this chapel was consecrated to Panagia (Holy Virgin), surely in direct succession to the pre-Christian almighty Mother-Goddess.
Peak sanctuary on the Kakavos mountain
Peak sanctuary on the Kakavos mountain

The cave sanctuary at Kavirio
At Kavirio in the northeast of Lemnos there is a Cabiri sanctuary which was famous for its mysteries. Quite below the Greek ruins there is the so-called cave of Philoktetes. Location and appearance of this cave as well as the ancient mythological tradition are significant hints that this cave was a ritual place since prehistoric times.
The cave sanctuary of Kavirio
Seaward access to the cave of Philoktetes
The discovery of prehistoric places of worship, the peak sanctuary on the Kakavos mountain and the cave sanctuary at Kavirio gives evidence of the veneration of the almighty Mother-Goddess - a significant feature of matriarchal culture. Our recent findings of several prehistoric rock paintings and engravings at different sites on Lemnos enriches our knowledge about the matriarchal Lemnos culture, and gives us valuable insight into the contemporary figural art.
Our discoveries at the centers of the Lemnos Amazon culture, Myrina and Poliochni, provide many facts for the reconstruction of its history. So there is evidence that powerfully points to the existence of dual queenship - a significant characteristic of the Amazons.

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