Italy unearths monumental Piceni princely tomb
One of the most important archaeological discoveries made in Italy's Marche region in recent years is shedding new light on the aristocratic elites of the ancient Piceni civilization.
In Sirolo, near Ancona, within the extensive Picene necropolis of Monte Conero, archaeologists have uncovered a princely funerary complex dating to the 6th century BC.
The discovery is expected to significantly expand knowledge of the civilization that controlled one of the most important trade hubs along the pre-Roman Adriatic coast between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, CE Report quotes ANSA.
The discovery was made during preventive archaeological excavations conducted by Italy's Archaeological, Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency for the provinces of Ancona and Pesaro Urbino. The work was carried out by ArcheoLab in collaboration with the Municipality of Sirolo and supported by the Ministry of Culture.
Archaeologists uncovered an elaborate monumental burial complex featuring large aristocratic tombs, an impressive funerary layout, and architectural elements never before documented in Picene necropolises.
At the center of the complex is a large male tomb containing the remains of a two-wheeled chariot, known as a currus, along with weapons and prestigious grave goods that testify to the exceptionally high social status of the deceased.
Beside it, researchers found an exceptionally well-preserved female burial containing remnants of textiles, footwear, ornaments, and even traces of the entire wooden structure of the funerary bed.
Among the most remarkable aspects of the discovery is a monumental wooden palisade that enclosed the entire burial site—an architectural feature never previously identified in Picene necropolises, where large funerary complexes were typically surrounded by ditches.
According to researchers, the discovery will provide valuable insights into the role of the Picene elite, their connections with Etruria and other parts of central Italy, and the ways in which social prestige was expressed through highly elaborate funerary monuments.
Research and restoration of the artifacts are still underway and could reveal further significant discoveries.
Photo: Chat GPT
