Untouched seventh c. Etruria Graves Found in BC – History Blog

A sealed, complete grave was found in the Etruscan cemetery in the town of Barbarano Romano near Viterbo in central Italy. Its history can be traced back to the last stage of the Eastern period at the end of the 7th century BC

The cemetery of San Gilliano was used from the 7th century to the 3rd century BC, so the tomb can be traced back to the early days of the occupation. The rock-cut chamber tomb is sealed, covering the enormous flat slabs of the entrance. Archaeologists were able to lift the slabs to reveal the abundant funeral furniture inside the grave.

After removing the slabs that sealed the burial chamber, many containers appeared, many of which were made of exquisite pottery, dating back to the geometric patterns of the Etruscans. These objects seem to react to the precise rituals performed before the grave was finally closed. The deceased’s basin and several bronze ornaments can still be distinguished on the left funeral bed.

At present, these contents are being carefully recorded in situ. Of particular note is the placement of a vase in the funeral ceremony that archaeologists consider it to be a step in the funeral. Each ship will record it before digging the grave. The stratigraphic excavations will then provide further information on the identity and social status of the deceased.

The San Giliano cemetery has more than 500 graves, associated with a settlement with few traces of it. Most of the tombs were plundered by ancient or modern thieves, and complete tombs were extremely rare. This makes this discovery anomaly, not only because of the archaeological material it contains, but also because they can tell us about the funerals of the early funerals of the Yitrilu culture.