A recent discovery in Himera, Sicily, has unveiled a 2500-year-old mass grave that offers new insights into the composition of ancient Greek armies and the prevalence of mercenaries during that era. Contrary to the portrayal by ancient Greek historians of their soldiers as heroic defenders of their homeland, DNA analysis of the remains in the mass grave tells a different story. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study reveals that the troops defending Himera were a diverse group of mercenaries from various regions, challenging the traditional perception of Greek armies. This finding provides valuable insights into the dynamics of warfare and soldier recruitment in ancient Greece.
Mercenaries in Ancient Greece
Throughout history, mercenaries have been a common presence in conflicts. These hired fighters, motivated by 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 mercenaries—such as greed, shifting allegiances, and societal downfall—led ancient authors to embellish the narrative of battles fought by Greek citizens rather than acknowledging the presence of hired soldiers.
The Battle of Himera and Genetic Ancestry
The Battle of Himera, a significant conflict in 480 B.C., was long considered a defining event for Greek identity. Historical accounts depicted the defenders of Himera as Greek citizens fighting against a Carthaginian invasion. However, recent DNA analysis of remains from Himera’s west necropolis suggests otherwise.
The communal graves at the site predominantly contained professional soldiers from distant regions such as Ukraine, Latvia, and Bulgaria. This supports previous research indicating a substantial presence of mercenaries in the battles at Himera.
The Role of Mercenaries and Historical Narratives
The new study highlights the role of mercenaries in ancient Greek warfare. Angelos Chaniotis, a Greek historian, notes that while mercenaries are mentioned in historical evidence, they often remain hidden in plain sight. Greek historians of the time may have downplayed the significance of mercenaries to maintain the idealized image of Greek armies composed of heroic citizen-soldiers and hoplites. Including mercenaries in the narrative would have undermined this portrayal.
Mercenaries and Tyrants in Sicily
During the Hellenic Age, tyrants who ruled Greek Sicilian cities recruited mercenaries to expand their territories and serve as bodyguards. This recruitment 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 significant period. However, when Terillus, the tyrant of Himera, was overthrown, he sought help from his Carthaginian allies to regain power, leading to the famous Battle of Himera.
Insights from the Mass Graves in Himera
The mass graves in Himera’s west necropolis, discovered 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 in the graves required multiple lines of evidence to identify them as combatants. Violent traumas, such as spearheads lodged in bodies, indicated death in action.
The absence of armor and weapons, likely 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 still differentiated from Greek soldiers, indicating a distinction within the Greek colonists’ identity construction. The smaller mass graves, believed to contain Greek soldiers, showed greater care in body placement and burial objects, emphasizing their higher status or prestige.
Conclusion
The discovery of the mass grave in Himera challenges the traditional narrative of ancient Greek armies and sheds light on the prevalence of mercenaries in ancient warfare. The DNA analysis of the remains found in the grave reveals 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 woven 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.
