Officials at the Pompeii archeological site in Italy have announced the discovery of an intact ceremonial chariot, one of several important discoveries made outside the park following an investigation into an illegal dig.
MILAN – Officials at the Pompeii archeological site in Italy on Saturday announced the discovery of an intact ceremonial chariot, one of several important discoveries made in the same area outside the park near Naples, following an investigation into an illegal excavation.
The wagon, with its iron elements, bronze decoration and mineralized wood remains, was found in the ruins of a settlement north of Pompeii, outside the walls of the ancient city, parked in the porch of a stable where the remains of three horses had previously been discovered. .
The Pompeii Archaeological Park calls the chariot an ‘extraordinary discovery’ and says’ it is a unique find – which so far has no parallel in Italy – in an excellent state of conservation. ‘
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed Pompeii. The chariot was spared when the walls and roof of the structure it was in collapsed and also survived the looting of contemporary ancient thieves, who according to the park dug tunnels to the site and did not damage the four-wheeled cart. officials.
The chariot was found on the grounds of one of the most important ancient villas in the vicinity of Vesuvius, with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. on the outskirts of the ancient Roman city.
Archaeologists last year found in the same area on the outskirts of Pompeii, Civita Giulian, the skeletal remains of what was believed to be a wealthy man and his male slave, who were trying to escape death.
The chariot’s first iron element emerged on January 7 from the blanket of volcanic material that filled the porch of two floors. Archaeologists believe the wagon was used for festivals and parades, perhaps also to transport brides to their new homes.
While chariots for daily living or transporting agricultural products were previously found in Pompeii, officials said the new find is the first ceremonial chariot to be excavated in its entirety.
The villa was discovered after police found the illegal tunnels in 2017, officials said. Two people living in the houses on top of the site are currently on trial for allegedly digging more than 80 meters of tunnels on the site.