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An untouched Etruscan chamber tomb dating to the 7th century BC has been uncovered in the San Giuliano necropolis in Lazio, central Italy.
Investigations in the area have been carried out since 2016 by the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project, led by Davide Zori from Baylor University in Texas, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture. During the course of this research, the project has identified more than 600 chamber tombs: all of them looted by grave robbers over the centuries – except one. Miraculously, it seems that this lone burial chamber remained completely undisturbed for c.2,600 years, perhaps thanks to its slightly unusual position and lack of surface indicators.
On removing the large stone slab that covered the entrance, archaeologists revealed a chamber tomb measuring c.3m by 2.2m by 1.8m, carved within a tumulus chiselled directly out of the volcanic bedrock. Inside, two stone beds for the deceased had been shaped from a different volcanic rock (below), each with two circular headrests or pillows etched into their surfaces.
The remains of four individuals were found in the tomb; initial examination suggests that they may represent two male–female pairs. The deceased were accompanied by more than a hundred well-preserved grave goods, including iron weapons, bronze ornaments, and silver hair spools. The majority of the funerary assemblage, however, was made up of 74 ceramic vessels, among them drinking and serving ware, storage containers, incense burners, and various types of plates, bowls, and chalices, representing both local production and broader Mediterranean exchange. The arrangement of the objects offers insights into funerary traditions and rituals, with more personal items placed near the heads of the deceased, while more elaborate vessels were situated on the floor. Of particular note is the inclusion of banqueting vessels, which demonstrate the importance of feasting in both life and death.
This array of high-quality objects, as well as the size and construction of the tomb itself, suggests that the individuals buried here were of elite status, perhaps connected to members of the highest class in local society. This is the first entirely preserved Etruscan chamber tomb in the area to be excavated using modern archaeological techniques, and consequently represents a unique opportunity to understand more about this society andtheir burial practices.
Text: Amy Brunskill / Image: Emanuele Giannini, Eos Arc srl
