New Study Reveals 79 Men Found Bound Near Athens Were Local to Attica

In 2016, archaeologists uncovered a mass grave near Athens in the ancient necropolis of Phaleron containing the remains of 79 adult men, many still shackled with metal handcuffs and arranged in three parallel rows. The unusual burial suggested a violent event, likely a public mass execution, but the identities and origins of the men remained unknown for years.

A recent study led by Julian R. Stamer from Arizona State University analyzed strontium isotope ratios in the tooth enamel of 66 shackled men and 97 others buried nearby to determine their geographic origins. Strontium isotopes reflect the geology of the region where a person grew up, preserved in tooth enamel formed during childhood. The results showed that 64 of the 66 shackled men (96.9%) had isotope signatures consistent with the Attica region, indicating they were local rather than foreign mercenaries, pirates, or invaders as previously speculated.

Further analysis of multiple teeth from 28 individuals revealed that 26 had consistent local signatures throughout childhood, suggesting limited childhood migration. Only two showed evidence of moving into Attica later in life. Overall, 95.7% of all 163 individuals tested were local to Attica. The findings challenge earlier theories that the mass grave contained foreign combatants or outsiders and instead imply the violence was directed inward, possibly reflecting internal social or political conflict within Attica.

While the study narrows down the men's origins, it does not clarify their exact identities, reasons for captivity, or the circumstances leading to their execution. The research, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, shifts the focus to local historical dynamics in Attica to explain this enigmatic mass burial.

Summary: A 2016 discovery of 79 shackled men buried near Athens was long a mystery. New isotope analysis reveals nearly all were local to Attica, suggesting the mass execution was an internal conflict rather than involving foreign invaders.

Points: - 79 men found shackled and buried near Athens in 2016 were mostly local to Attica. - Strontium isotope analysis of tooth enamel showed 96.9% of shackled men grew up in Attica. - The findings weaken theories of foreign mercenaries or pirates being executed. - Most individuals showed no evidence of childhood migration outside Attica. - The mass grave likely reflects internal social or political violence within Attica. - The study does not identify the men or explain the cause of their execution.

Topic: archaeology israel_relevant: false Entities: {"people":["Julian R. Stamer"],"organizations":["Arizona State University","Journal of Archaeological Science"],"places":["Athens","Phaleron","Attica","Greece"]}