Advertisement

Crypt Of An Etruscan Princess Found In Italy

Archaeologists have unearthed a crypt filled with valuables in Vulci, a former Etruscan city in Viterbo, Italy. The finding is among the most precious ones in this location that holds exceptional items from prehistoric times.

Source: ANSA


The theory that the retrieved tomb carried the remnants of a princess from the Etruscan aristocracy is supported by anthropological study, which dates the tomb back to the 8th century BC. Meanwhile, the burial chamber is 3 m (9.8 ft.) beneath the surface, locating in front of the ticket office at the archaeological location of Vulci.

Source: ANSA

The Vulci Foundation in Montalto di Castro near Viterbo was responsible for the tomb excavation. Tecla Del Papa, a site worker revealed: “We had no idea the tomb was there, but carried out an emergency dig last month after we noticed looters had excavated another tomb that was above the princess’s tomb.”
He continued: “The robbers had revealed, but not entered, the tomb below, so thanks to them, we were able to quickly find the burial chamber and quickly excavate it. Certainly such items lead us to believe that she was a princess, if not someone very important in society.”

Source: ANSA

Distinctive and invaluable items, including a Phoenician amber necklace and two Egyptian scarabs made from gold, ivory and silver are among the precious pieces found within the crypt. Additionally, archaeologists were able to discover other alluring and intricate items serving as evidence for the artistic expertise of our predecessors and the wide extent of seafaring Etruscans’ trade links.
Furthermore, the skeletons of a young lady, covered with fragile cloth and surrounded with remarkable treasury items, were discovered within the tomb. There were also pots and jars, proving the significance of the Etruscans on the international market.

Source: ANSA

Currently, experts are working hard to discover more information on the identity of the young girl and the possibility in which she was involved in the relationship with the previously found skeletons of Etruscan nobles. Researchers believe that they can still continue their examination, despite the fact that the bones weren’t well-preserved, to clarify specific information related to how her life was 28 centuries ago.
Situated 80 km (49.7 miles) north of Rome, the ancient city of Vulci has witnessed the discovery of more than 15,000 crypts, providing fresh insights into the comprehension of Etruscan society. Carlo Casi, director of Vulci Archaeological Park said, archaeologists were lucky because the area could become a large excavation site, as nothing has ever been constructed in this area.

Source: ANSA

Archaeologists named the princess’ tomb “The Tomb of the Golden Scarab.”, which is quite common in Vulci for such romantic name being labeled. The practice dates back to the 19th century when these ancient tombs appealed to wanderlusts, at that time they were not preserved and many sites were found by curious travelers.
On the orders of Cardinal Guglielmo Pallotta, the initial digs were formally conducted, where several graves, varying from simple to intricate, were found, with the most famous being the Tomb of the Sun and the Moon.

Source: Flickr

Furthermore, a tomb called “Tomb of the Silver Hands” has recently been discovered, believed to be from a woman. An Egyptian scarab dated from 746 BC to 525 BC was discovered inside, together with painted beads, an iron fibula brooch, jars, and a bucchero in Corinthian style. (The bucchero is a type of ceramic black pot with a glossy surface made by the Etruscans.)
The Silver Hands became one of the most important finds in Vulci, and were taken to the laboratory and X-rayed. Following this examination, it was possible to restore and conserve them.
Share this article
Advertisement
 
Advertisement