The “Shackled Men of Phaleron,” the impressive archaeological find discovered in 2016 in the area of the old Hippodrome, are being released. The 79 human skeletons, which had been buried in Attic soil since the 7th century BC, bound with their hands tied behind their backs or even to one another, after a fatal blow to the head, will return to their original discovery site. There, within the first half of 2026, construction of the museum shell will be completed, which will protect them while also allowing public viewing.

The human skeletons after the necessary conservation work

The mass burial of the iron-shackled men who were executed during the period of intense unrest that occurred in Athens from the early 7th century BC to the 6th century BC was found during the construction works of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, causing worldwide archaeological interest. Initially, it was decided that they would be preserved in situ until the creation of the special space that would host this significant find. However, after major delays—during which the skeletons risked irreversible damage due to unsuitable underground conditions—it was deemed necessary in 2020 to transfer them to a nearby temporary enclosed structure.

Repositioning of a cluster of skeletal remains

The complex transfer project

The transfer of such an important and sensitive find is, without doubt, an extremely complex operation. For this reason, the process of returning the Shackled Men to the site where they were discovered will strictly follow the relevant study approved by the Central Archaeological Council, which was also followed during their removal and provides for their gradual relocation under conditions of absolute care.

The Shackled Men of Phaleron: This Is What the Space That Will Host the Major Archaeological Find Will Look Like – Photos
The Shackled Men of Phaleron will be transferred to the underground space of their discovery and exhibition during a carefully planned operation

As explained by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni: “The clusters of skeletal remains are lifted with hydraulic jacks and moved by sliding along metal tracks. Due to the shape of the building and the layout of the opening for introducing the clusters into the protected space, they must be moved in at least two directions, while a vertical lowering is also required so that they can pass beneath the basement ceiling beam and enter the space. They are then moved to their final position, where they will be placed at the same elevation at which they were originally revealed. The bone clusters will be placed within a closed protective space with controlled conditions, where they will be preserved. After the completion of the second construction phase, the clusters will be encased, the backfilling completed, the area organized, and sealed.”

This is what the museum shell that will house the “Shackled Men of Phaleron” will look like after the completion of construction works

The museum shell, with a budget of €7,500,000, incorporates an underground space for the placement of the “Shackled Men,” providing full protection for the find while allowing optimal viewing and understanding by visitors.