Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery in central Italy, unearthing an intact Etruscan burial chamber that has remained undisturbed for approximately 2,600 years.
The stone tomb, which resembles a miniature dwelling, was found at the ancient settlement of San Giuliano, roughly 70 kilometres north-west of Rome.
Dating from the seventh century BC, the chamber provides an unprecedented glimpse into the burial customs of the Etruscan people, who dominated central Italy before being conquered by Rome.
The find represents a significant breakthrough for researchers studying this enigmatic civilisation.
Jerolyn Morrison
|Archaeologist Davide Zori stands at the tomb's entrance in central Italy
Unlike the hundreds of other Etruscan burial sites documented in the region, this tomb has escaped the plundering that typically befalls ancient graves, preserving its contents exactly as they were left millennia ago.
Inside the chamber, researchers found four bodies arranged on carved stone platforms, accompanied by an extensive collection of grave goods.
The deceased were buried with more than 100 objects, ranging from ceramic vessels and weaponry to decorative bronze pieces and delicate silver hair ornaments.
The international San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project, which has been surveying the area since 2016, made the discovery on July 15.
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Jerolyn Morrison
|Anthropologist Jamie Aprile and a colleague remove intact pots from the rare Etruscan tomb in Italy
While the team has catalogued over 600 Etruscan graves in the vicinity, every other tomb had suffered from ancient or modern theft.
Initial examination indicates the four individuals may comprise two couples, though scientists plan comprehensive analysis to confirm relationships and learn more about their lives.
"This completely sealed burial chamber represents a rare find for Etruscan archaeology," said Davide Zori, an archaeologist from Baylor University in Texas.
"In the internal hilly region of central Italy, where the SGARP team works, a preserved chamber tomb of this age has never before been excavated with modern archaeological techniques."
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|The discovery pre-dates the Romans
The discovery has profound implications for understanding pre-Roman Italy. "It is a unique opportunity for our project to study the beliefs and burial traditions of this fascinating pre-Roman culture," Zori added.
The excavation team included undergraduate students who witnessed the historic moment.
"Being part of a project that uncovered an unlooted tomb was extremely surreal," said Kendall Peterson, one of the student researchers involved.
"It is something that archaeologists hope for their entire careers, and it was incredibly emotional to witness not only our professors' reactions but also the pride and excitement of the local community of Barbarano."