The discovery of a 2500-year-old mass grave in Himera, Sicily has shed new light on the composition of ancient Greek armies and the prevalence of mercenaries during that era. While ancient Greek historians often portrayed Greek soldiers as heroic defenders of their homeland, the DNA analysis of the remains found in the mass grave reveals a different story. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrates that the troops defending Himera consisted of a diverse group of mercenaries from various regions, challenging the traditional perception of Greek armies. This revelation provides valuable insights into the dynamics of warfare and the recruitment of soldiers in ancient Greece.
Mercenaries in Ancient Greece
Throughout history, whenever there was a conflict, mercenaries were a common presence. These hired fighters, driven by a thirst for adventure or monetary gain, joined foreign armies and rebel forces. In ancient Greece, however, the concept of mercenaries was often downplayed or overlooked by historians who idealized the image of the Homeric hero and emphasized the unity of Greek city-states.
The negative connotations associated with being a mercenary, such as avarice, shifting allegiance, and the potential downfall of society, led ancient authors to embellish the narrative of battles fought by Greek citizens rather than acknowledging the presence of mercenaries.
The Battle of Himera and Genetic Ancestry
The Battle of Himera, a significant conflict in 480 B.C., was considered a defining event for Greek identity. Historical accounts portrayed the troops defending Himera as Greek citizens fighting against a Carthaginian invasion. However, the recent DNA analysis of the remains found in Himera’s west necropolis suggests a different story.
The communal graves discovered at the site were predominantly occupied by professional soldiers from distant regions such as Ukraine, Latvia, and Bulgaria. This finding supports previous research that indicated a substantial presence of mercenaries in the battles at Himera.
The Role of Mercenaries and Historical Narratives
The new study brings to light the role of mercenaries in ancient Greek warfare. Angelos Chaniotis, a Greek historian, acknowledges that while mercenaries are mentioned in historical evidence, they often remain hidden in plain sight. The Greek historians of the time may have downplayed the significance of mercenaries to present an image of Greek armies composed of heroic citizen-soldiers and armored spearmen known as hoplites. The inclusion of mercenaries in the narrative would have undermined this idealized portrayal.
Mercenaries and Tyrants in Sicily
During the Hellenic Age, the tyrants who ruled Greek Sicilian cities recruited mercenaries to expand their territories and serve as bodyguards. The recruitment of mercenaries also led to the use of coinage in Sicily to pay them. The strategic location and rich resources of ancient Sicily attracted both Greek and Carthaginian colonies, which coexisted harmoniously for a considerable period. However, when Terillus, the tyrant of Himera, was overthrown, he sought assistance from his Carthaginian allies to regain power, leading to the famous Battle of Himera.
Insights from the Mass Graves in Himera
The mass graves discovered in Himera’s west necropolis during the construction of a rail line have provided valuable insights into the soldiers who fought in the Battles of Himera. The remains of adult men found in the graves required multiple lines of evidence to distinguish them as combatants. Violent traumas, such as spearheads lodged in bodies, indicated death in action.
The absence of armor and weapons, which would have been recovered by survivors, further supported the identification of fallen soldiers. Chemical isotopes in their bones suggested that these soldiers were born in distant regions, and their genomic analysis revealed genetic similarities with individuals from Ukraine and Latvia.
The Identity of Mercenaries and Greek Colonists
The research also highlighted the intentional grouping of foreign fighters in the same mass graves. These mercenaries were buried with respect but were still differentiated from Greek soldiers, indicating a distinction within the Greek colonists’ identity construction. The smaller mass graves, believed to contain Greek soldiers, demonstrated greater care in body placement and burial objects, emphasizing their higher status or prestige.
The discovery of the mass grave in Himera has challenged the traditional narrative of ancient Greek armies and shed light on the prevalence of mercenaries in ancient warfare. The DNA analysis of the remains found in the grave has revealed that the troops defending Himera consisted of a diverse group of mercenaries from various regions. This finding provides valuable insights into the recruitment strategies and dynamics of ancient Greek armies.
By examining historical accounts, archaeology, bioarchaeology, and isotopic analyses, researchers have been able to weave together a comprehensive understanding of the past. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple lines of evidence to gain a deeper understanding of ancient societies and the complexities of their military structures.
