Archaeologists unearthed a unique Roman ceremonial transport from a villa outside Pompeii, the city buried in a volcanic eruption, in 79 AD.
The almost perfectly preserved four-wheeled chariot of iron, bronze and tin was found near the stables of an ancient villa in Civita Giuliana, about 700 meters north of the walls of ancient Pompeii.
Massimo Osanna, the outgoing director of the Pompeii archeological site, said the vehicle was the first of its kind discovered in the area, producing hitherto functional vehicles used for transport and work, but not for ceremonies. .
“This is an extraordinary discovery that promotes our understanding of the ancient world,” Osanna said, adding that transportation would accompany festive moments for the community, such as parades and processions.
The Ministry of Culture calls it a unique find, without any precedent in Italy.
Pompeii, 14 kilometers southeast of Naples, was home to about 13,000 people when it was buried under ashes, pumice and dust, as it endures the force of an eruption equivalent to many atomic bombs.
About two-thirds of the 66-hectare ancient city has been discovered. The ruins were only discovered in the 16th century and organized excavations began in about 1750.
“Pompeii continues to amaze us with its discoveries and it will do so for many years to come, with another 20 hectares to be excavated,” said Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.
Pompeii is a rare documentation of Greco-Roman life and is one of Italy’s most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.