Restoration Work of a Building Reveals Major Iron Age Necropolis in Italy, Contains Pre-Roman Tombs of Elites

Archaeologists in Italy have an intriguing find on their hands. The excavation in Trento led to the discovery of a structure from pre-Roman times, stated Heritage Daily. Researchers believe the establishment was utilized by elites. The discovery took place during restoration work of a building in the Santa Croce area.

Experts from the Archaeological Heritage Office of the UMSt Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and Activities of the Autonomous Province of Trento were involved in the examination. The team uncovered what they believed to be a necropolis, containing several high-status tombs and related grave goods. Experts believe the establishment was built between the 9th and 6th century B.C., during the early Iron Age period.

"The Iron Age is a period of profound transformations from a historical-cultural point of view throughout the Mediterranean, in the Alpine arc, and beyond the Alps. The great civilizations of the Etruscans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Celts flourished. These are also the times of the first Olympics which are traditionally dated to 776 B.C. and the foundation of Rome in 753 B.C.," said excavation superintendent, Franco Marzatico.

Archaeologists speculate that the area surrounding present-day Trento once had a wide riverbed containing multiple streams joining and moving away from each other, stated Popular Mechanics. Experts think that the necropolis came out of the ancient city's drier portions. It contains tombs from several phases of the Iron Age, as per researchers. "An incredible discovery, which shows us a new history of the city of Trento, no longer just as a Roman city," Francesca Gerosa, vice president and provincial councilor for culture said. "The work is progressing, but there is still an entire area to be monitored to then evaluate it.” Researchers believe the necropolis went into hiding because of flooding from nearby river channels.

In total, around 200 tombs were uncovered in the area, stated Heritage Daily. The burials were placed beneath layers composed of Roman and medieval material. Unlike other necropolis, this one was constructed like a monumental palimpsest, meaning resting places of several periods existed together at the site.  As per examinations, the tombs were located eight meters below the current street level. Another unique aspect of the establishment was the presence of vertically positioned funerary steles at the western edge of a stone chamber. This chamber was enveloped by earth and stones and also hosts several satellite tombs, that seem to have accumulated over the years.

Inside the coffins, researchers unearthed ashes and calcined bone fragments, stated Popular Mechanics. They also spotted metal weapons and ornamental pieces, containing amber and glass paste at the site. Such items made archaeologists think that the burial place was used by the elites for burial. "The Iron Age is a period of profound transformations from a historical-cultural point of view throughout the Mediterranean, in the Alps, and beyond the Alps," Marzatico said. "The great civilizations of the Etruscans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Celts flourished. These were also the times of the first Olympics which traditionally date back to 776 B.C. and the foundation of Rome in 753 B.C. In the archaeological excavation in progress, we have the possibility of recognizing the elite of a society that was evidently settled in the Trento basin, and which presented its power and prestige through the deposition of objects emblematic of its privileged status."