by Redazione 05/11/2026
Categories: Archaeology / Disclaimer
An urgent investigation and stabilization effort at the Etruscan necropolis of Monte Abatone, in Cerveteri (Rome), has unearthed burial chambers with their original vaults, thrones carved into the tuff, and traces of red paint. An almost intact stamnoid jar was also recovered and will be put on display after restoration.
New evidenceof ancient Caere is emerging from the Etruscan necropolis at Monte Abatone, in Cerveteri (Rome), where an archaeological survey and stabilization project has led to the rediscovery of several burial chambers and the recovery of artifacts of particular interest. Among these,a stamnoid-shaped jar stands out; it is almost entirely preserved and features figurative decoration with engraved animals and details painted in red. The artifact will undergo cleaning and restoration and, once these operations are complete, will be displayed to the public.
The news of these interventions was announced by the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for Southern Etruria. The operations were launched in response to urgent conservation needs: some tombs in the necropolis had collapsed or were in a state of instability, requiring investigation, documentation, and safety measures. Clearing the entrances and the precautionary removal of fill material have made it possible to re-explore the burial chambers and identify elements that had not been documented until now.
The chambers uncovered during the excavation exhibit different characteristics. One still preserves a large portion of its original vault, while another is distinguished by the presence of funerary furnishings carved directly into the tuff, including several thrones. In another chamber, extensive traces of red painted decoration were identified on the walls, providing valuable evidence for reconstructing the original appearance of the burial spaces.
Monte Abatone represents one of the main necropolises of ancient Caere and constitutes an important source for the study of Etruscan funerary architecture, rituals, and the social organization of the Caerean community over the centuries. The new findings thus help expand our knowledge of an archaeological context of particular significance.
The tombs involved in the work had already been the subject of illegal excavations in the past, which had compromised their original context. Despite the removals, however, some materials remained in the chambers and were recovered during the recent investigations. Among these, the stamnoid jar constitutes one of the most significant finds. Its characteristics can be evaluated in greater detail once the cleaning and restoration work is complete, which will also allow for a more precise understanding of its production and function.
All the tombs have undergone archaeological investigation, been documented, and secured. The recovered artifacts are currently undergoing the cleaning, restoration, and analysis necessary to determine their chronology, production techniques, and historical and cultural significance.
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| Cerveteri: thrones carved from tuff, an almost intact jar, and painted decorations in the tombs have been unearthed |
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