Italy named one of the top archaeological discoveries of 2024

In 2023, the world witnessed the power of cutting-edge techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI). This has facilitated seamless travel planning and led to discoveries, including new insights into ancient artifacts. But the year was also full of new archaeological discoveries, including an Egyptian mummification workshop that shed light on some aspects of ancient burial customs. An underwater temple built in Italy 2,000 years ago by merchants from the Arabian desert. A huge Mayan city, thought to have been lost to the jungle, was also discovered using laser technology.

In 2023, archeology is making great strides in preserving cultural heritage, unearthing new historical artifacts, and analyzing the past using cutting-edge technology. However, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of this year is the “Tomb of Cerberus” with its magnificent paintings, which was discovered near Naples, Italy in October 2023. As we head into 2024, there’s no telling what else archaeologists will discover in the Tomb of Cerberus.

Italy named one of the top archaeological discoveries of 2024

The tomb of Cerberus has impressive frescoes.

Paintings in the Tomb of Cerberus, Giuliano, Campania, Italy

An incredibly well-preserved tomb has been discovered by archaeologists in the Italian city of Giuliano, Campania. Archaeological excavations in the area of ​​Flegreo Domitiana, where previous research has shown that mass burials took place from the Republican period to the Roman Empire, have uncovered the tomb of Cerberus.

Upon further investigation, researchers discovered the walls of Opus Incertum, which was originally thought to mark the edge of a necropolis. It turned out to be the facade of a huge indoor tomb. Tuff blocks were discovered inside the tomb that blocked the entrance to the chamber, which still has frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

• Date of discovery: October 2023
• Going back in time: Around 2000

Why was it named Tomb of Cerberus?

This tomb is called the Tomb of Cerberus, after the most famous wall painting discovered there. The mural depicts Cerberus, a three-headed dog from ancient Greek mythology. Cerberus, also known as the Hound of the Underworld, watched over the entrance to the underworld to prevent the dead from rising.

This scenario depicts the conclusion of Hercules’ 12 labors until Hercules captures Cerberus.

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Other paintings found

The tomb also depicts the mythical image of Ichthiocentaur, a centaurine sea monster with the upper body of a human, the lower body and front legs of a horse, and the tail of a fish.

Additionally, two winged Erotes, the Roman Cupid, are shown caring for two Ichthiocentaurs. They face each other and hold a crupeus, a shield used by Greek hoplites and Romans.

The tomb also features perfectly preserved frescoed ceilings and walls, decorated with mythological scenes and figurative representations. The scene is completed with three painted kulinai, an altar with drinking vessels, and the dead still lying peacefully on a richly decorated burial bed. This discovery is rare in this region.

Can visitors see the Tomb of Cerberus in person?

The tomb of Cerberus is still being excavated

Roman Pompeii frescoes depicting mythical figures in Naples, Italy

A very well-preserved indoor tomb was discovered under farmland in Giuliano, Campania, near Naples, during an archaeological survey carried out in anticipation of the renovation of the city’s water system.

According to preliminary research, this tomb is about 2,000 years old. The entrance to the tomb was blocked by a tuff slab, and once inside, the walls of the chamber were covered with breathtaking murals.

The chamber tomb is currently undergoing a full excavation, and researchers hope to also examine the larger necropolis surrounding it. Therefore, it is not yet available to the public.

Another recent archaeological discovery in Italy

Amazing domus with stunning mosaic walls

Campania district on Italy map

Italian archaeologists have discovered a luxurious Roman mansion near the enchanting Colosseum with unparalleled mosaics made of shells, marble and precious glass, the Ministry of Culture has announced.

In the painting, which suggests the owners of the more than 2,000-year-old mansion, or domus, were successful in battle, three huge ships ride the waves toward a coastal city, and the mosaic walls are decorated with small towers and colonnades. It is decorated at the entrance.

In a statement, Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano described the structure, built between the late 2nd century BC and the end of the 1st century BC, as a real treasure.

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This domus, which spans many floors, was uncovered in 2018 after researchers discovered a series of walls. The excavation is not expected to be completed until 2024. Therefore, only a few rooms were dug out.

The ministry said the main rooms of the domus, arranged around an atrium, were banquet halls that were used as caves during the summer. Lead pipes were installed between the ornate walls, allowing the owner, an aristocrat who was probably a senator, to entertain visitors with spectacular water play.

No one yet knows the depth of the discoveries that may occur in the Tomb of Cerberus, but 2024 is sure to be an exciting year for archaeologists and tourists alike.