Shackled men in 2,600-year-old Greek mass graves were likely locals, archaeologists find

In 2016, archaeologists discovered three mass graves at the Phaleron Burial Ground in ancient Attica, Greece, containing the skeletons of 79 adult men with metal shackles. These skeletons, along with teeth from 163 individuals in the area, have provided new insights into the identities of these individuals. A recent study in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports analyzed strontium isotopes in tooth enamel, which remains unchanged after formation and records the local geology, food, and water of an individual's upbringing.

The results showed that 96.9% of the shackled men were local to Attica, matching the broader population where 95.7% were local as well. This finding strongly suggests that the men were not foreigners or invaders, as previously theorized. The researchers propose several explanations for the men's identities based on the evidence.

Local political strife, state-sanctioned executions, and public displays of criminals could all be potential reasons for their mass burial. The study indicates that the social violence in the region was largely directed inward, suggesting that these individuals were part of the local social and physical landscape of Attica.