Scientists involved in a two-year excavation at the site of a planned solar power plant near Rome have come across an amazing and completely unexpected find. Archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman necropolis with unique artifacts.
About it reports Ancient-origins.net.
Scientists, exploring part of the construction site, found a necropolis that contained 67 exquisitely dressed skeletons buried in 57 large and elaborate tombs. Preliminary research shows that the tombs and their inhabitants date back to the second to fourth century AD. This means that the site coincides completely with with the period of Roman Empire.
"There is no doubt that this cemetery was reserved for the wealthy and influential Roman elites. The well-preserved skeletons wore gold jewelry and fancy leather shoes, and their tombs seem to have been designed to replicate the architecture of their homes (usually as smaller versions). We found several skeletons still wearing expensive stockings and shoes. All these riches and the fact that the bones show no signs of stress or physical labor, (leads us to believe) that these were not local farmers but upper-crust members of Roman families coming from cities," lead excavation archaeologist Emanuele Giannini, who works for the private archaeological firm EOS Arc, told CNN.
The elite necropolis occupied a sprawling 21-hectare plot of land on the territory of a solar power plant located near the ancient city of Tarquinia, just 80 kilometers northwest of Rome. Notably there are no information or historical references for these sites.
In particular, a very impressive collection of luxury items buried with the dead. Among the outstanding finds are engraved silver rings with amber, amulets with precious stones, many pieces of terracotta pottery, Roman coins of varying value, shiny glass objects and even some preserved items of clothing.
The skeletal remains were found too close to the surface of the ground, buried at a depth of about 50 centimeters. But agricultural activities that could possibly excavate the skeletons never took place. Because the huge limestone blocks sticking out of the ground made plowing, sowing and modern farming impossible in the area. Therefore, the necropolis remained untouched for centuries.
Some of the tombs were covered with fabric linings made of colorful materials, and others - with painted tiles or terracotta pieces, which added luxury and elegance to them.
"Family ties were important to the Romans, and this is displayed in the fact that most of the excavated tombs were communal, occupied by two or more individuals presumably united by family ties. Some skeletons were even found buried with their hands clasped together in an eternal embrace: the construction of tombs for the whole family is a typical ancient Roman feature, but they are characterized by their interior decoration, indicating wealth and status," the scientists added.
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