The Tarquinia necropolis reveals a hidden treasure: an incredible, untouched Etruscan tomb discovered.

The Etruscan people, one of the most advanced in pre-Roman times, left Tarquinia , the capital of Etruria, a rich treasure trove of art, history, and culture that continues to amaze even today. In the heart of the Monterozzi necropolis , a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Banditaccia necropolis in Cerveteri, a team of archaeologists from PACT (Archaeological Park of Cerveteri and Tarquinia) has unearthed a discovery that is already helping to rewrite Etruscan history.

After weeks of work, the first excavation campaign has concluded, revealing an untouched Etruscan chamber tomb , most likely dating back to the end of the 8th century BC. A discovery that, in addition to enriching the international archaeological panorama, opens up new possibilities for those who love to travel and discover places where myth and history intertwine.

The discovery of the inviolate tomb of the Etruscans

The excavation campaign took place in a peripheral area of ​​the Monterozzi plateau , an area previously thought to be devoid of significant archaeological evidence. Yet, it is precisely here that the team of archaeologists unearthed a hypogeum , one of the most fascinating finds of recent decades.

It is a chamber tomb , carved into limestone rich in marine fossils, characterized by a molded platform intended for the burial of the deceased. Traces of red and yellow paint have emerged on the walls, evidence of a primitive painted decoration in bands : the oldest ever documented in Tarquinia . This detail alone would be enough to make it extraordinary, but that's not all.

During the excavation, a rich collection of funerary objects was also recovered, despite damage caused by water infiltration and the partial collapse of the roof. Among the finds are impasto and refined clay vases, bronze sheet vessels, and personal ornaments. Particularly curious is the large number of small bronze rings scattered throughout the room, a mystery that scholars are still trying to unravel.

Finally, next to the main tomb, the space in front of the entrance, delimited by limestone blocks, was reused for a second, probably more recent, burial , also accompanied by grave goods which are now in fragments.

A new chapter in Etruscan history

Thanks to this discovery, the Monterozzi necropolis, already famous for its frescoes that recount the life and funeral rites of the Etruscans , is enriched with a new chapter. The newly discovered hypogeum not only documents the most ancient origins of the city , but also gives travelers another reason to plan a visit to this area of ​​Italy .

Starting in the coming weeks , Pact will organize guided tours of the new tomb , offering a unique opportunity to admire firsthand a site that remained untouched for nearly three thousand years . Walking across the plateau, the view opens up to a spectacular vista of ancient Tarquinia, while you have the chance to literally descend underground to discover the secrets of a civilization that still exerts a magnetic fascination today.