Ancient Iron Age Necropolis That Dates Back to Before Rome's Domination Discovered Near Naples

Archaeologists were able to discover an ancient Iron Age necropolis near Naples, Italy.

Ancient Iron Age Necropolis

Researchers discovered the burial area by examining it prior to the construction of a power plant. This power plant is meant to provide electricity for the high-speed advancement of the railway between Bari City and Naples.

The ancient necropolis was once used to bury the dead roughly 2,800 years ago. This was around the time of the founding of the city of Rome, approximately 161 kilometers to the northwest. It was close to the town of Amorosi, which is roughly 48 kilometers northeast of Naples.

The extraordinary discovery offers a rare glimpse of the cultures of the Iron Age that existed prior to the Roman domination of the area. The distinct necropolis includes as many as 88 burials within pit tombs. This consists of both me and women.

The women were buried with ornaments of bronze, such as pendants, bracelets, fibulae brooches, amber pieces, and worked bone. On the other hand, the men were typically buried with some weapons.

Archaeologists behind the site's excavations also unearthed a vast number of differently shaped pottery vases. These items were usually placed within the tombs at the deceased's feet. The researchers think that the area predates the Samnites, who occupied the region a couple of hundred years later and were early Romans' frequent enemies.

Samnites and Early Italy

Based on the legend, the mythical Romulus hero counted Rome in 753 B.C. This was amidst his dispute with Remus, his twin brother. However, archaeologists think the city developed from the union of various hilltop villages after around the tenth century B.C.

The state of early Rome engaged in various wars against its neighbors, including Etruscan city-states and other peoples who spoke Latin. During the fourth century B.C., Romans had multiple wars with the Samnites, who lived southeast of Rome in the Apennine area.

Ultimately, Rome saw victory. After the Third Samnite War, the Samnites ended up assimilating into the society of Rome. After this, Rome conquered all of Italy and started establishing more colonies.

This necropolis, close to the town of Amorosi, appears to have been established within the region of the Samnites. However, this was hundreds of years before the arrival of the Samnites, possibly all the way from central Italy.

Researchers think the individuals who founded the ancient necropolis were part of the "Pit Tomb" culture across southern and central Italy in the Iron Age.

Massive Burial Mounds

In addition to the pit tombs, the ancient necropolis has two massive burial mounds that span roughly 15 meters. Archaeologists believe these cover the tombs of the ancient society's elite.

These mounds are now the necropolis' only visible features. They have been known best for millennia. However, the most recent excavations have just revealed the several tombs that surround them.

The human remains, artifacts, and tombs are set to be further studied.

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