Myrtis

Myrtis_skull.jpg

Myrtis is the name given to an 11-year-old ancient Greek girl whose remains were discovered in a mass grave in Athens, Greece. Her remains date back to the 5th century BC, specifically around 430 BC, during the time of the Plague of Athens.

Discovery

Myrtis's remains were unearthed in 1994-1995 during the construction of the Athens Metro. The mass grave where she was found contained the remains of 150 individuals, victims of the plague that struck Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

Reconstruction

In 2010, a team of scientists and archaeologists undertook the task of reconstructing Myrtis's face using forensic techniques. This project aimed to provide a visual representation of what she might have looked like in life. The reconstruction was based on her skull and other skeletal remains, and it has been displayed in various exhibitions to provide insights into ancient Greek life and the impact of the plague.

Significance

Myrtis has become a symbol of the human cost of the Plague of Athens, which claimed the lives of many, including the prominent statesman Pericles. Her reconstructed face has been used in educational programs to teach about ancient Greek history, the Peloponnesian War, and the impact of infectious diseases on human populations.

See also

• Plague of Athens
• Peloponnesian War
• Ancient Greece
• Forensic facial reconstruction