New Etruscan tomb discovered at Vulci

Archaeologists excavating at the ancient burial site at Vulci, Italy, discovered an Etruscan pit tomb dated to the 8th century BC.

Pit from the 8th century (by TusciaWeb)
Pit from the 8th century (by TusciaWeb)

The tomb contained an incomplete skeleton with items deposited as grave goods. The skeleton is preserved only partially with teeth and pieces of long bones surviving. Among the small finds are personal ornamented items made of bronze, including a fibula, a ring, and a buckle.

Finds at the tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Finds at the tomb (by TusciaWeb)

Personal items buried with the individual consist of a bronze mirror, an iron spearhead, a small axe, and a blade of a knife. The spearhead is ornamented with a series of bronze rings, possible being remains of a handle.

Excavating the 8th century tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Excavating the 8th century tomb (by TusciaWeb)

Other items include pottery, such as a jar and a krater vessel, painted with geometric motifs. The krater was located a the feet of the man and was found in the position in which it was originally placed. On the opposite site of the tomb archaeologists discovered three bows, a deep bowl set on a foot called a kyathos, and two cups. One of the latter was painted with horizontal stripes.

Pottery from the tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Pottery from the tomb (by TusciaWeb)

The type and quantity of items located within the tomb are said to attest to the high status of the person buried within.

Documentation of the tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Documentation of the tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Documentation of the 8th century tomb (by TusciaWeb)
Documentation of the 8th century tomb (by TusciaWeb)

(after TusciaWeb)

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