Shackled Greek skeletons to get display

The mass grave of 79 young men with shackles around their wrists and dating from the 7th century BC that was discovered on Athens’ southern coast in 2016 will be removed temporarily so the site can be secured. Exposure to the elements has meant the remains have sustained significant damage since their discovery. According to the plan, the necropolis will be removed in blocks that will be returned once the site has been investigated and secured.

In 2016 researchers found a mass grave near Athens containing 79 skeletons. The wrists of the skeletons were all bound in iron shackles. Archaeologists believe they were part of a mass execution.

The skeletons were found in the Falyron Delta necropolis, between Athens and the port of Piraeus. It’s believed the victims were part of a failed coup plot, supporters of Cylon, who attempted to take over Athens. Cylon was an Athenian noble who attempted to seize power in the city in 632 BCE, where his father-in-law, Theagenes, was tyrant. The coup was opposed, and Cylon and his supporters took refuge in Athena's temple on the Acropolis. Cylon and his brother escaped, but his followers were cornered by Athens' nine archons and killed.

The grisly find is a rare and extraordinary one. Greece’s Central Archaeological Council announced construction of an underground “shell” which will permanently protect and display the skeletons.