Ephesus Ancient Latrine Yields 8th‑Century Twin Infant Grave

Archaeologists investigating the ancient site of Ephesus in modern‑day Turkey uncovered a small cist containing the remains of two perinatal children, likely twins, buried together in a disused latrine channel of the Roman Odeion. Radiocarbon dating places the burial in the 8th–9th century, reflecting early Byzantine Christian practices. The infants were positioned side by side, heads to the west and feet to the east, with no accompanying grave goods. One child displayed a rare cervical rib, a congenital anomaly found in about 1 % of the population.

The grave was first identified in 2010 but was re‑examined by researchers from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, with results published in the journal *Childhood in the Past*. Bio‑archaeologist Caroline Partiot noted, “The unusual location suggests protection rather than disposal,” indicating that families may have chosen the former public latrine as a safe niche for their lost infants. DNA analysis to confirm twin status is pending.