During the digging of trenches for a new sewage system in Tigaki, ten human skeletons were unearthed.

Initial dating of the remains places the burials to the early Christian period, from the 4th to the 7th century AD. It was known that there was a cemetery from this era located in the area.

Four of the ten skeletons have already been removed to the Kos Archaeological Service’s premises in Kos Town. The latest skeleton, discovered yesterday, is that of a man of approximately 1.80 metres in height, with his arms crossed over his body in a characteristic Christian burial pose. At the time of burial, a pottery vessel had been placed next to the head of the deceased and the grave had been covered with tiles.

The burials of the early Christians were simple affairs. The corpse, in imitation of Christ, was wrapped in a sheet, or shroud and placed in the grave-cut without any kind of coffin. The grave was closed with a slab of marble or, in most cases, clay tiles fixed by mortar. The name of the deceased was painted or engraved on the enclosures, along with a Christian symbol, or a wish that the person find peace in heaven. Oil lamps and small vases containing perfumes were often placed beside the body.

It is expected that further burials will be found as the construction work continues.