Greek archaeologists find couple locked in millennia-old hug

Death did not part them. Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered the grave of a man and woman buried as they died some 5,800 years ago – tightly embracing with legs entwined. A senior member of the excavation team, Anastassia Papathanassiou, says the discovery – made in 2014 but only publicized this week after DNA testing determined each skeleton’s sex – is the oldest of its kind in Greece. Papathanassiou said the remains of the couple, estimated to be in their 20s, were found near the Alepotrypa Cave, an important prehistoric site. It’s unclear how they died and whether they were related, but Papathanassiou says further DNA testing should answer the latter question.

The skeletons of Diros represent one of the oldest, if not the oldest, found to this date.

Statement issued by the Greek Ministry of Culture

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