Digging for a Stable in an Italian Town Ends With Discovery of Nine Ancient Tombs With Rare Artifacts, Amazes Experts

Plans for a stable paved way for an excavation in Italy. The excavation resulted in the discovery of several ancient findings from Padula, stated the Greek City Times. Researchers believe these findings are indicative of the region's expansive historical and cultural past. The exploration was conducted by Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio of Salerno and Avellino, in collaboration with the Lagonegro Prosecutor’s Office and the Carabinieri’s Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale.

While building a stable in Contrada Cicirelli a group of tombs were damaged. Authorities were informed and the site was secured. An urgent excavation project was organized which uncovered nineteen tombs in total. Most of these burials were of "a cappuccino" type, containing beds and walls made from ceramic slabs (tegulae). In some tombs, the remains were buried inside pits where large stones showcased the position of the dead person's head.

Several tombs carried grave goods, as per experts. According to examinations, these objects were dated back to the second half of the 4th century B.C. The artifacts found at the site include coins, black-glazed ceramics, and red-figured vases featuring female depictions. These objects possibly came from a workshop in the Lucania region, likely near Vallo di Diano. Some containers were also spotted outside the grave sites, which implies the presence of post-burial rituals during that period. 

Researchers claim that the most notable discovery at the site was tomb number 64, stated Arkeonews. There was a slab over the tomb, that featured the engraving of a man riding a horse. The horse was in full gallop while the man was in a pose that indicated he was going to throw something, likely a spear. Researchers believe that the illustration showcases a warrior and the deceased belonged to the elite section of the society. There were many black-glazed vases, a silver coin, and an undecorated small pot inside this burial, stated Greek City Times. The silver coin has been identified as a diobol, that was possibly minted at Tarentum between 380 and 325 B.C. The coin has distinct designs on two sides. One face features the goddess Athena, while the other has Hercules killing Nemean lion.

Another burial on the site contained items like black-glazed and red-figure vases. One of these containers was determined to be a krater, that usually carried female imageries. Such objects were used in symposium rituals. The ceramics were surrounded by lead candelabrum, an iron knife, metal spits, a bronze belt, and fire supports. The belt implied that the individual was a warrior. The presence of household items indicates the elevated value the person associated with these objects in their life. It could suggest that the person had a prominent social role.  How the tombs have been distributed showcases that the individuals buried here were connected to an ancient settlement or agricultural site, according to experts. Authorities have requested the public to protect these archaeological sites, stated the Greek Reporter. They hope to continue the preservation efforts in the area and protect these artifacts.