Ancient Mass Grave in Faliro Moves Closer to Being Open to Public

The Central Archaeological Council has green-lit a study that would see a shelter and walkways built over the site making it accessible to the public.


Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has given the green light for a study on a shelter to protect an ancient mass grave discovered in 2016 during digging at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center at Phaleron (present-day Faliro) Delta, south of Athens.

Excavators at the Phaleron Delta Necropolis found at least 80 skeletons lying in a mass grave, their wrists clamped by iron shackles, dating to the 7th century BC and believed to belong to victims of mass executions.

 

“For the first time we can illustrate historical events that took place during the struggle between aristocrats in the 7th century and led, through a long process, to the establishment of a democratic regime in the city of Athens,” project director Stella Chrysoulaki told Archaeology magazine in reference to the discovery in 2016.

The aim of the Culture Ministry council’s decision is to open the fascinating site, which is located in the SNFCC’s Esplanade area, to the public by building walkways and a shelter that will also protect the necropolis from the elements.

This article was originally published at ekathimerini.com.



Read More

Archaeology

Hermes Revealed: Traces of Athens’ Roman Grandeur Resurface

A remarkable Roman-era statue has been unearthed during excavation work...


CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

The Women of the Cyclades: From Baubo to Mavrogenous

Unveiling untold stories of goddesses, noblewomen, martyrs, and saints from...