Archaeologists discover 80 shackled skeletons from mysterious ancient Greek execution


At least 80 skeletons have been discovered in shackles in an ancient Greek cemetery, the result of a mass execution dating back to around 632 BC. The bodies appear to have all belonged to young people who were in a good state of health when they were killed, leading to some mystery as to who the people were. "They have been executed, all in the same manner. But they have been buried with respect," said Dr. Stella Chryssoulaki, the head of excavations.
The deaths were likely violent, as most of the bodies have their arms bound above their heads, their jaws hanging open. But the bodies were not thrown into a grave without consideration, as might have been done with slaves or common criminals, Reuters reports. Instead, some believe that the skeletons belong to supporters of Athenian noble Cylon, who attempted a coup with his father-in-law, Megara. While Cylon escaped after the failed coup, many of his followers were killed.
DNA testing might offer more definitive clues into how and why the people were killed. The neighborhood cemetery where the skeletons were discovered is the resting place of some 1,500 bodies, including infants.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
5 hastily redrawn cartoons about redistricting
Cartoons Artists take on Donald Trump's draughtsmanship, the White House ballroom, and more
-
Bonnie Blue: taking clickbait to extremes
Talking Point Channel 4 claims documentary on the adult performer's attention-grabbing sex stunts is opening up a debate
-
Crossword: August 9, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Israeli security cabinet OKs Gaza City takeover
Speed Read Netanyahu approved a proposal for Israeli Defense Forces to take over the largest population center in the Gaza Strip
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Thailand, Cambodia agree to ceasefire in border fight
Speed Read At least 38 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced in the recent violence
-
Israel 'pauses' Gaza military activity as aid outcry grows
Speed Read The World Health Organization said malnutrition has reached 'alarming levels' in Gaza
-
US and EU reach trade deal
Speed Read Trump's meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen resulted in a tariff agreement that will avert a transatlantic trade war
-
At least 12 dead in Thai-Cambodian clashes
Speed Read Both countries accused the other of firing first
-
US and Japan strike trade deal
Speed Read Trump signed what he's calling the 'largest deal ever made'
-
28 nations condemn Israel's 'inhumane killing' in Gaza
Speed Read Countries including Australia, France, Japan and the U.K. have released a joint statement condemning Israel's ongoing attacks