An Archaeological Study of the Ancient Phaleron Cemetery near Athens, Greece
Archaeological study and analysis of 8th-5th-century
of the cemetery of Phaleron, the ancient port of Athens,
Greece. (36 months)
This study focuses upon the cemetery of Phaleron, at the port of the ancient city of Athens. The cemetery dates to the Archaic - Early Classical period (ca. 750-480 BCE), characterized by major sociopolitical reforms, including changes in ruling tenure, early codification of law, tyranny, and democracy. Phaleron cemetery consists of hundreds of burials, mainly simple pit graves, jar burials of infants, and skeletons with evidence for captivity, violence, and execution. The nature of the cemetery suggests the presence of lower status individuals, such as non-elites, outlaws, and the unwanted. By integrating archaeological and historical information with osteological, biochemical, and genetic data, we will address the identity of the people of Phaleron within what appears to have been a port community of diverse backgrounds. We ask for funding for a three-year project (2017-20) for the in-depth study, interpretation, and publication of the human burials of the Phaleron cemetery.
[Grant products]
Participating institutions:
Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) - Applicant/Grantee
American School of Classical Studies at Athens (Princeton, NJ) - Participating institution