Shackled men in 2,600-year-old Greek mass graves were likely locals, archaeologists find
In 2016, archaeologists working at the Phaleron Burial Ground, part of the ancient Attica region, uncovered an astonishing sight: three mass graves dating to the 7th and 6th centuries BCE containing the skeletons of 79 adult men. Many were bound together with metal shackles.
The discovery of these mass graves in ancient Attica provides a unique window into the social and political dynamics of the time. The fact that the men were bound together with metal shackles suggests that they were likely prisoners or slaves, rather than warriors who died in battle. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the early Greek city-states and the treatment of subjugated populations.
The use of metal shackles also speaks to the technological capabilities of the ancient Greeks during this period. The presence of such restraints implies a level of metallurgical sophistication, which is consistent with other archaeological findings from the time. For inventors and historians of technology, this discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of materials science and its applications in ancient societies.
As researchers continue to study the skeletons and the context in which they were found, it will be interesting to see what further insights emerge about the lives and deaths of these individuals. To watch next: further analysis of the skeletons and any associated artifacts, as well as continued exploration of the Phaleron Burial Ground and other ancient sites in the region, which may shed more light on the social and technological developments of ancient Greece.
Originally reported by phys.org. InventorsNews adds analysis for science & discovery readers.