Who Is Buried In The Giant Etruscan Tomb At San Giuliano Necropolis?

Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - The Etruscans, a fascinating ancient civilization, lived between the 8th and 3rd century B.C. in what we now know as Tuscany, western Umbria, and northern Lazio in Italy. Despite the limited information historians have about this intriguing culture, Latin literature provides some references to their existence. However, our primary understanding of the Etruscans comes from archaeological discoveries within their tombs.

Credit: Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale

The Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape has now announced the discovery of a giant Etruscan tomb in the ancient San Giuliano Rock Necropolis in the town of Barbarano, north of Rome, Italy.

The region was once home to the Etruscans, who are famous for their intricate subterranean burial chambers.

At the rock-cut necropolis of San Giuliano, researchers have discovered over 500 tombs distributed across multiple tiers on a hillside. This area is locally recognized as the Marturanum Regional Park.

During a restoration project focused on some of the cemetery's most historically important tombs, including the Queen's Tomb, archaeologists noticed what seemed to be another semi-concealed monumental tomb. The structure was revealed in its full magnificence following the meticulous removal of the thick vegetation.

It is described as a giant, cube-shaped stone tomb with three funerary chambers and three Doric doors dug into a rock wall.

The enigmatic Etruscan tomb has dimensions of approximately 46 feet in width and 32 feet in height.

Remarkably, the tomb remains in well-preserved condition, even after being concealed underground for numerous centuries. Based on its architectural features, scholars suggest that it was likely constructed in either the 5th or 4th century B.C., shortly after the construction of the neighboring Queen's Tomb.

The Queen's Tomb features a staircase on the side that ascends to an elevated terrace. Additionally, it has two partially completed Doric doors that open into two identical burial chambers, each furnished with benches and designated spaces. Considering the prominent location of the newly found huge tomb should be the resting place of someone of great importance.

In the previous year, archaeologists had an incredible opportunity to unlock a 2,600-year-old Etruscan tomb in Italy. This ancient time capsule, untouched for millennia, revealed a treasure trove of unique artifacts. Scientists plan on opening the recently discovered tomb at San Giuliano Rock Necropolis, and everyone is naturally curious about what is hidden inside.

Credit: Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale

The restoration and adaptation efforts on the recently unearthed tombs are expected to be completed in the coming months. Then, the tombs will be accessible to visitors.

The region is a tourist attraction with an aim to conserve its distinct historical heritage. Those interested in the history of the region can also visit the necropolis housing the Museo Civico delle Necropoli Rupestri, where it is possible to admire numerous artifacts unearthed in previous excavations.

See also: More Archaeology News

"We are delighted with this discovery, which further enhances the archaeological value of our town. We will promote this area so that both locals and tourists can learn about the astonishing underground construction capabilities of the ancient Etruscan civilization," the mayor of Barbarano Romano said.

Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer