Culture Minister Lina Mendoni recently toured the site where a group of 78 skeletons, believed to have been executed in the 7th century BC, were discovered.
These remains, known as ‘Desmotes Falirou,’ were initially excavated in 2016 at the Esplanade of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Faliro Bay, south of Athens.
The skeletons, arranged in three clusters, provide a glimpse into an ancient mystery.
The first cluster revealed groups with presumed bindings, the second exhibited hands bound from behind using non-metal material, and the third still had iron shackles on their wrists.
Conservation efforts on-site took place from 2016 to 2022, but environmental factors necessitated their temporary removal to a nearby location with a concrete foundation.
The Ministry of Culture stated that ongoing monitoring ensures proper preservation conditions.
Additionally, a tendering process is near completion for a museum-grade protective shell or roof over the skeletons, funded by the Recovery Fund at 6.5 million euros.
The proposed shell includes a basement area for safeguarding the skeletal material and a ground-level space for supervisory and visitor areas, aiming for harmony with the SNFCC Esplanade environment.
Aiming for universal accessibility, the ministry plans to create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to comprehend the historical significance of the shackled skeletons.
The project marks a significant step towards preserving and showcasing these ancient artifacts, inviting the public to connect with the mysteries of the past.
