Italian archaeologists have unearthed a 2,600-year-old intact Etruscan tomb that promises to reveal new depths of one of the ancient world’s most fascinating and mysterious cultures.
Rossella Lorenzi
The unique burial was found in Tarquinia, a hill town about 50 miles northwest of Rome famous for its Etruscan art treasures. The tomb was just a few feet away from the so-called Queen's Tomb, pictured here.
SBAEM/UNITO
Blocked by a perfectly sealed stone slab, the rock-cut tomb in appeared promising even before opening it, just by dint of its location next to known royal tombs.
Rossella Lorenzi
After 2,600 years, the heavy stone slab in front of the tomb was removed.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
The archaeologists were left breathless by what they found inside.
Rossella Lorenzi
In the small vaulted chamber, the complete skeleton of an individual was resting on a stone bed on the left. A spear lay along the body, while brooches, on the chest indicated that the man was probably once dressed with a mantle.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
At his feet stood a dish used during the funeral meal. Food remains were still there, after 2,600 years.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
Near the dish with the food remains stood a large bronze basin, possibly used to wash the hands after the meal.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
A stone table directly across from the man might contain the incinerated remains of another person.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
Decorated with a red strip, the upper part of the wall featured, along with several nails, a small hanging vase, which might have contained some ointment.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
A number of grave goods, which included large Greek Corinthian vases and precious ornaments, lay on the floor.
Massimo Legni/SBAEM/UNITO
According to Mandolesi, the fact that the newly discovered burial lies a few feet away from the Queen’s Tomb indicates that it belonged to one of the princes of Tarquinia, someone strictly related to the owners of the Queen’s Tomb. A rare find indeed.
Rossella Lorenzi
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