In the Tarquinia necropolis of Monterozzi, recognized as a Unesco heritage site together with that of Banditaccia in Cerveteri, the first excavation campaign promoted by the Archaeological Park of Cerveteri and Tarquinia was recently concluded. The investigations revealed an important archaeological discovery: an intact Etruscan chamber tomb, dated most likely to the end of the 8th century B.C., was in fact found, equipped with a single molded platform intended for deposition. During initial cleaning operations of the walls and the burial bed, traces of red and yellow emerged, traceable to a simple banded pictorial decoration: the oldest so far documented in Tarquinia.
The grave goods, although displaced by the effect of water infiltration and fragmented due to the collapse of part of the roof, were largely recovered and are currently undergoing restoration. Finds include unturned impasto and depured clay vessels, personal ornaments, and bronze foil vessels. Particularly numerous are the small bronze rings scattered throughout the room.
The space in front of the entrance to the hypogeum, bordered in part by large limestone blocks, was later reused for a second, probably more recent burial, which was also accompanied by a trousseau recovered in fragments.
The hypogeous tomb, small in size and of the “upper slit” type, excavated in the limestone bank rich in marine fossil remains, is located at the edge of the Monterozzi plateau, in a peripheral area of the monumental complex that offers a striking view of the ancient city. In this area, surveys conducted by the Lerici Foundation between the 1950s and 1970s had reported no significant archaeological evidence.
The research and excavation were made possible thanks to funding from the Ministry of Culture’s General Directorate for Museums, and directed in the field by Archaeological Park Director Vincenzo Bellelli together with archaeological officer Daniele Rossetti.
This discovery will significantly contribute to a deeper understanding of the earliest phases of the Monterozzi necropolis and the history of Tarquinia. In the coming weeks, the Park will organize guided tours of the newly unearthed tomb.
 |
| Tarquinia, major archaeological discovery: Etruscan chamber tomb found intact |
Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
