Archaeologists discovered an Etruscan burial in Tuscany, central Italy dating back 2500 years. The ancient grave contained skeletal remains of an individual that was shackled upon burial.

The grave was found at Populonia, a site of an Etruscan settlement built directly by the sea. The pit dug into sandy soil included a complete skeleton of a male between 20 and 30 years of age at the time of death. The individual was also shackled with shackles wrapped around his neck and ankles.

The shackles consist of over 2 kilograms of iron that bound his legs, and a heavy iron collar that was wrapped around the neck. The archaeologists also found a black spot under the nape, most likely what remained of a wood object which was likely connected to the iron collar. Moreover an iron ring was found in one of his left fingers that might have been part of the device, which was meant to impede the ability to take long steps. The archaeologists believe that the individual was a slave or someone who had to bear a definitive punishment. He might ave been employed in maritime activities as well as in the iron mines operating between 6th-4th centuries BC in the area. The burial is said to date at least to the 5th century BC. Scheduled analysis, including of DNA, might reveal more about the mysterious individual, if he had diseases and whether he was a local or foreigner.

(after Seeker & Giorgio Baratti)