Archaeologists unearthed a 2,600-year-old Etruscan tomb in the San Giuliano necropolis, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Rome. The Italian Ministry of Culture announced the discovery on June 30 through an official statement, emphasizing its importance because the tomb remained untouched by looters. "It is very rare to find an intact tomb, and that is what makes this discovery unique," said Dr. Barbara Barbaro, Director of the Archaeology Department at the Local Heritage Authority in Rome.
The burial chamber contained the remains of four individuals, placed on stone beds, with over 150 remarkably well-preserved grave goods. These items included pottery, weapons, bronze ornaments, and silver hair accessories. A basin and some bronze decorations were discovered on the left-side bed, believed to belong to the deceased. The tomb's treasures featured ceramic vessels with the traditional Etruscan geometric style, some still bearing visible paint remains. The careful placement of these vessels at the tomb's entrance suggests an intentional ritual performed before sealing the chamber.
Archaeologists indicated the burial mound dates to the late 7th century BCE. The site is part of the Caiolo Necropolis within the San Giuliano area, noted for housing other ancient tombs. The Superintendency of Viterbo and Southern Etruria supervised the excavation in collaboration with Baylor University. The American researchers leading the project, including archaeologist Davide Zori, emphasized the rarity of discovering an intact Etruscan tomb. “This completely sealed tomb represents a rare discovery for Etruscan archaeology,” said Zori, highlighting its significance in a region where numerous other graves suffered looting over centuries.
The discovery became possible during a cleanup and excavation project started in 2023 at the Barbarano Romano archaeological park. While clearing an area, archaeologists stumbled upon a stone entranceway built into a mound, leading them to the sealed tomb. The San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project (SGARP) team has been active at the site since 2016, having documented over 600 tombs surrounding the ancient Etruscan city.
The intact tomb is exceptional in a necropolis where more than 500 tombs have been looted or damaged. Aside from its excellent preservation, the discovery provides a "complete snapshot of life through the ritual of death," according to Barbaro. As excavation and analysis continue, the tomb's contents are undergoing thorough documentation and study to learn more about the individuals buried within and their lives.
The Etruscan civilization significantly shaped early Rome with its culture, social structures, and innovations. Reaching its zenith around the sixth century BCE, the Etruscans merged into Roman society by the end of the first century BCE. The artifacts discovered in the untouched tomb not only enrich our understanding of Etruscan burial customs but also offer a window into the broader cultural and religious practices that influenced the burgeoning Roman Republic.
For students like Kendal Peterson, a senior anthropology student from San Antonio, Texas, participating in the excavation was a uniquely emotional experience. "Being part of a project that discovered an unlooted tomb was incredibly surreal," she shared.
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