Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Another significant archaeological discovery has been made at the San Giuliano necropolis, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Rome, Italy.
Last year, archaeologists discovered a rare, intact Etruscan tomb containing the remains of four individuals resting on carved stone beds.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
Archaeologists now report the discovery of another sealed Etruscan burial chamber in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Baylor University in Texas.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the tomb dates to the Late Orientalizing Period (late 7th century BC) and was found in the Caiolo area, which continues to yield significant discoveries.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
After removing the sealing slab, archaeologists uncovered an intact scene: numerous vases, including fine ceramics painted in an Etruscan-geometric style, were arranged in a specific ritual order. One vase near the entrance appears to indicate a particularly significant ceremonial gesture.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
On the funerary bed to the left, a basin and several bronze ornamental objects remain in their original positions, likely placed with the deceased. These grave goods may provide new insights into the funeral customs of the Etruscan elite.
While awaiting further developments, Dr. Barbara Barbaro, the Office’s archaeologist, emphasized the Superintendency’s ongoing support for the Baylor University team and its work at the Queen’s Tomb.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
The tomb, measuring 10 meters high and 14 meters wide, features two entrances with two false Doric doors. Several interventions have been carried out at the site. In 2023, cleaning work led to the discovery of another cube tomb with three chambers and three semi-false doors to the left of the Queen’s Tomb.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
In March 2024, the cleaning and excavation of the Salamander Tomb chambers were completed, alongside restoration and consolidation efforts directed by the Superintendency as part of the three-year program for the Queen’s Tomb area. One previously disturbed chamber yielded a valuable artifact: a red carnelian scarab depicting a warrior on horseback with a spear, dating to the 4th century BC.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
The Necropolis of Caiolo, located within the San Giuliano archaeological area, is an Etruscan burial site named after the Colle di Caiolo in Barbarano Romano.
Credit: Ministry of Culture
In addition to the Queen’s Tomb, the site includes the Tomb of the Deer, named for an engraving on the stairway walls; a group of approximately fifteen porticoed tombs; the Tomb of the Beds, which contains four funerary beds for both adults and children; and the Tomb of the Cuccumella.
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“The San Giuliano necropolis,” Dr. Barbaro explains, “contains over 500 tombs surrounding the settlement. Most were looted either in antiquity or more recently, so finding an untouched tomb is extremely rare. This makes the current discovery exceptional.”
“An intact context is essential not only for preservation, but also because it provides a comprehensive view of life through funerary rituals,” Dr. Barbaro adds.
Source: Ministry of Culture
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
