2,600-year-old ‘princely’ grave filled with artifacts discovered in Italy, photos show

An ancient and “princely” necropolis filled with dozens of artifacts was recently uncovered in Italy.

Archaeologists from the University of Bologna found the tomb in Corinaldo, a city near the Adriatic coast, located about 165 miles north of Rome, according to a July 27 news release from local officials.

The grave — a rectangular pit measuring 12 feet by 7 feet — was discovered inside of a 100-foot-wide circular ditch, officials said.

Inside the grave were more than 150 artifacts, including a two-wheeled cart.

Also found were “prestigious” bronze objects, including a cauldron, a helmet and finely decorated containers.

Additionally, skewers, an iron ax for cutting meat, and pottery for serving drinks and food were located, which are suggestive of a funerary banquet.

The assortment of fine objects indicates the deceased would have been a celebrated, high-ranking individual, officials said.

The gravesite, which dates to the seventh century B.C. — making it at least 2,600 years old — is associated with the Picentes culture.

The Picentes lived in an area along the Adriatic coast known as Picenum, which was conquered and colonized by Rome around the third century B.C., according to the Saylor Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization.

“The area became known as Gallia Togata, ‘Toga-Wearing Gaul,’ reflecting the mix of Roman and Celtic culture,” according to the foundation.

Although the site is linked to the Picentes people, several artifacts found originated from the Etruscans, a people that lived to the north. In the seventh century B.C., the two communities maintained a trading relationship, officials said.

The discovery of the grave comes after the 2018 uncovering of the tomb of the so-called “Prince of Corinaldo” in the same area, highlighting its archaeological significance.

Corinaldo can now claim the title of “land of the princes,” Gianni Aloisi, the city mayor, said in the release.

In the future, the newfound grave will be made available to the public, he added.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the City of Corinaldo.

This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 4:41 PM with the headline "2,600-year-old ‘princely’ grave filled with artifacts discovered in Italy, photos show."