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Title: The New Mass Grave(s) at Phaleron, Kylon and the Increase in Elite Competition in Early Archaic Athens
Author(s): RÖNNBERG, Maximilian F.
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 98    Date: 2023   
Pages: 11-30
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.98.0.3291700

Abstract :
This paper historically contextualizes the new mass grave(s) excavated by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands at Phaleron in 2016 and dated to the 7th century BCE. It briefly introduces and evaluates this find, critically evaluates the tradition of Kylon’s coup, and arrives at the conclusion that both cannot be directly associated. Nevertheless, they ultimately point into the same direction: the tradition and the mass grave(s) attest to an increase in violent elite competition. This is finally set into the larger context of socio-cultural developments in Geometric and Early Archaic Athens. Even though we cannot connect the new mass grave(s) to a specific event, the find marks a crucial point in the history of early Athens.

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