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Archaeologists Thought a Mass Grave of 79 Shackled Men Held Foreign Invaders. They Were Wrong
gizmodo.com • • world
Key Points:
- Archaeologists uncovered a mass grave in Athens dating to the Archaic Period (~700-460 BCE) containing 79 men buried with their wrists shackled and raised, indicating a vulnerable and possibly violent death.
- Isotopic analysis of 66 men from the Esplanada grave revealed that most were locals from the Attica region, with only two identified as outsiders, suggesting the victims were likely involved in internal political conflicts rather than foreign invasions.
- The findings highlight tensions in Archaic Athens between emerging democratic ideals and aristocratic rule, reflecting the city’s complex political dynamics before the Classical Period (479-323 BCE).
- Despite increased trade and connectivity during this era, the burial population showed little diversity, implying limited immigration and possibly a societal aversion to foreigners that persisted into Classical Athens.
- Ongoing research aims to further explore the identities and lifestyles of those buried at the Phaleron site, offering deeper insights into social and political life in early Athens.
