Archaeologists unearth high-status tomb in ancient Etruscan city
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Archaeologists working near Rome, Italy, have discovered a 2,700-year-old Etruscan tomb containing a wealth of artifacts.
The burial chamber, located within a previously identified mound at the ancient city of Vulci, held weapons, gold, bronze plates, chariot parts, and a complete banquet set. The team, part of the Return to Vulci project, believes this is a tomb of the “very highest rank” due to the quality and variety of the grave goods.
Initial work on the site began in the late 19th century when archaeologist Stéphane Gsell mapped the burial mound, but he lacked the resources to fully excavate it. Current archaeologists built on Gsell’s work and uncovered the walls of three burial chambers beneath collapsed roofs. Recovered items included a rare bronze tripod originating from the Greek island of Rhodes and a nearly complete set of dining vessels left in their original arrangement.
The Etruscan civilisation once dominated central Italy, but declined with the rise of Rome, and much of what is known about them comes from archaeological sites like Vulci. The team estimates the tomb may be as large as, or even larger than, the previously largest known Etruscan burial mound in the area. Researchers have covered the site for preservation and plan to continue work in 2027.
