Initial examination suggests that the tomb and its occupants date back to the 2nd to 4th century AD.
This cemetery was undoubtedly reserved for the wealthy and powerful Roman elite. The well-preserved skeletons wear gold jewelry and luxurious leather shoes, and their tombs appear to have been designed to resemble the architecture of earthly homes (though on a smaller scale).
“We found several skeletons still wearing expensive stockings and shoes,” said Emanuele Giannini, chief excavation archaeologist at the private archaeological firm Ios Arc.
“All this wealth, and the fact that the bones show no trace of stress or physical labor, [leads us to believe] They were not local farmers, but Roman upper class people from the cities. ”
The region is known for such discoveries, but the discovery, which occurred on a 52-acre plot of land near the ancient city of Tarquinia in northern Rome, surprised authorities.
In the absence of any historical documentation, they had no idea that there was a burial ground reserved for nobility at the site.
The collection of luxurious items buried with the deceased was very impressive. Among the centerpieces are silver rings engraved with amber and initials, amulets with precious stones, many pieces of terracotta pottery, Roman coins of various values, and shiny glass objects, all of which are still preserved. This included clothing.
Archaeologists believe that the inhabitants may have wanted to recreate a heavenly space similar to their earthly homes, based on the variety of grave goods found near the ruins and the luxurious designs and linings inside the tombs. thinking.
Many graves were once lined with elaborate cloth or surrounded and covered with tile or terracotta fragments like small houses.
The human bones were found buried very close to the surface, about 20 inches (50 centimeters) deep.
Most of the graves discovered are communal graves, probably built for at least two people who shared the same family relationship. Several skeletons were also found wrapped together.
Giannini said the site’s unique state of preservation is due to the fact that “huge limestone blocks jutting out of the ground made plowing, sowing, and modern agriculture impossible in this area.” . “It has remained untouched for centuries.”
Officials are confident that more hidden wonders will be uncovered as the solar park’s drilling moves to other locations nearby. The area where the necropolis was discovered will not be part of the solar park and will be closed to the public for safety reasons.
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