Archaeologists participating in a two-year excavation project at the site of a planned solar power plant near Rome have made an astonishing and completely unexpected discovery. While exploring part of the construction site, archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman necropolis containing 67 ornate skeletons buried in 57 large and ornate tombs.
Insights and opulent secrets from the Roman necropolis
Initial testing suggests the tombs and their occupants date to between the second and fourth centuries AD. This means that the site completely overlaps with the rule of the Roman Empire.
There is no doubt that this cemetery was reserved for the rich and powerful Roman elite. The well-preserved skeletons were outfitted with gold jewelry and luxurious leather shoes, and their tombs appear to have been designed to mimic the architecture of their earthly homes (which, of course, were smaller version).
“We found some skeletons still wearing socks and expensive shoes,” excavation archaeologist Emanuele Giannini, who works for the private archaeological firm Eos Arc, told CNN. “All this wealth, and the fact that the skeletons show no signs of stress or manual labor, [leads us to believe that] these were not local farmers, but members of the upper class of Roman families from the cities.”
Archaeologists unearth lavish tombs at elite necropolis near Rome. ( Soprintendenza Archaeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale )
The elite necropolis covers a 52-acre (21 ha) plot of land on the solar plant site, located near the ancient city of Tarquinia, just 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Rome.
Although excavations related to the solar plant project at the site have produced a number of other interesting discoveries, this discovery still surprised archaeologists. They simply had no idea that a cemetery dedicated to the nobility was in its location, due to the lack of any historical references.
Skeletal remains unearthed in Roman necropolises were buried along with luxury goods including gold jewelry. ( Soprintendenza Archaeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale )
Build fancy eternal homes for the most powerful people in Rome
The collection of luxury goods buried with the deceased is extremely impressive. Among the highlights are silver engraved rings set with amber, amulets containing precious stones, numerous pieces of terracotta pottery, Roman coins of varying value, shiny glass objects and even Some clothing items are still preserved.
All of this is in addition to the gold necklaces and earrings that the deceased was found wearing, as it seems that those in charge of organizing the burial wanted to ensure that their loved ones would bring carry all their valuables with them as they make the journey to their resting place. the other side.
The skeletal remains were found very close to the earth’s surface, buried at a depth of about 20 inches (50 cm). But fortunately for posterity, the agricultural activity that might have uprooted the skeletons long ago never took place. Giannini notes that “huge blocks of limestone jutting out of the ground [make] modern plowing, seeding, and farming in the area impossible. It has remained intact for centuries.”
Roman cemeteries were found to contain many Roman artifacts. ( Soprintendenza Archaeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale )
Archaeologists believe that the dazzling signs of wealth displayed in ancient necropolises indicate an interest in creating final resting places similar or identical to the earthly dwellings of these people. deceased. The interiors of the tombs were covered with linens made from colorful materials in some cases, and in others with painted bricks or terra cotta pieces, further adding to the atmosphere that signaled luxury. and elegant.
Family connections were important to the Romans, and this is reflected in the fact that the majority of excavated tombs were communal (containing two or more individuals, who were believed to have united bound together by family ties). Some skeletons have even been found buried with their arms locked together in an eternal embrace. “Building mausoleums for the whole family was a typical feature of the ancient Romans, but these stood out in the interior decoration, which showed wealth and status,” confirms Giannini.
While surprised by the nature of their new discoveries, archaeologists still hope to find Roman-era artifacts when digging begins. According to Emanuele Giannini, Eos Arc staff relied on historical research, field surveys, and test trenching to guide them to the most promising excavation sites—such as the site of the new Roman necropolis discovered, which they say may have functioned as an ancient stopover.
“We had a faint idea that some treasure might lie there, as historical sources mentioned the location of a tourist post station near the site,” explains Giannini. ”. “Many Romans stopped [here] to eat and rest overnight, but the importance of this discovery is incomparable.”
Needless to say, the excavation of the elite Roman necropolis has demonstrated that the site has a richer history than historical sources reveal.
Artifacts unearthed at the Roman necropolis include valuable jewelry. ( Soprintendenza Archaeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale )
Balance the needs of the present with respect for the past
The current plan is to remove the skeletons from the Roman necropolis and display them at a medieval fortress and tourist attraction known as Santa Severa Castle, which attracts many visitors to the village. Italy’s Santa Marinella coast. But first, researchers will spend several months in the lab with the skeletons, performing a series of tests to reveal more details about who the people were, where they came from, and how they lived and died. how.
“We are excavating a large rural area to redevelop the land and is balancing the need to avoid destruction of such unique wonders with the goal of promoting clean energy production.” area, told CNN.
Eichberg stated that the land surrounding the cemetery would not be leveled for construction purposes but would instead be fenced off and preserved for future excavations. Archaeologists are confident that more wonders will be found during their continued excavations there and elsewhere on the larger site, which could mean even more of the land has may have to be excluded from solar energy development projects.
“This is the passion and beauty of Italy,” Eichberg declared, referring to the Roman necropolis. “Every time there is an excavation, incredible wonders from the past come out of the ground that need to be preserved.”
Top image: A combination of excavations, burials and artifacts from a newly discovered Roman necropolis near Rome. Source: Soprintendenza Archaeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale
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