- Archaeologists have found a preserved ceremonial chariot near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
- Experts believe that it was not found like anything before in Italy and was probably used for ceremonies.
- Pompeii was covered in volcanic ash in 79 AD, which means that it was well preserved.
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Archaeologists in Italy have preserved a ceremonial chariot remarkably well near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
In a statement on the website of the Pompeii website, it is called an ‘extraordinary discovery’ because it is a unique find – which so far has no parallel in Italy – in an excellent state of preservation. ‘
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD covers the city in volcanic ash and preserves it as one of the world’s most famous archeological sites.
Massimo Osanna, the outgoing director of the Archaeological Park, said in a statement that the wagon was probably used for festivals and processions or to bring a bride to her wedding rather than for everyday use.
He said that this type of chariot had never come from Italian soil before.
The wagon has four wheels and parts of iron and decorations of bronze, tin and wood.
A detail of the decoration of a wagon with its iron elements, bronze ornaments and mineralized wood remains.
Pompei Archaeological Park via AP
It was only detected on January 7, but the excavation took weeks because the material was fragile.
It was ‘miraculously spared by the collapse of the walls and ceiling of the room’ in which it was and was not damaged by people building illegal tunnels on the site.
Experts applauded the discovery.
Eric Poehler, a professor at the University of Massachusetts who studies Pompeii, said he was “surprised,” NPR reported.
“A lot of the vehicles I’ve written about before … are your regular station wagon or vehicle to take the kids to soccer. It’s a Lamborghini. It’s a wonderful, fine car.”
Dario Franceschini, the Italian Minister of Culture, said Pompeii “remains amazed with his discoveries and will do so for many years to come, with another 20 hectares to be excavated,” the BBC reported.
Discoveries in Pompeii gave us a glimpse into ancient life.
Archaeologists have in the past made discoveries such as an ancient fast food, which gives new insight into how humans lived.