Rare Etruscan Artifacts Uncovered in Italy, Shedding Light on Ancient Funeral Practices

In a significant archaeological discovery, a collection of rare and well-preserved Etruscan artifacts has been unearthed in Italy, providing valuable insights into the funeral practices of the ancient Etruscan civilization. The findings, which include decorated urns, sarcophagi, and various bronze items, were recovered from a looted Etruscan hypogeum linked to the gens Pulfna in Città della Pieve.

The discovery was made possible after an investigation narrowed down the location of the looted site, which had first been identified in 2015 when a farmer stumbled upon it while ploughing a field. The recent recovery includes over 50 elements of the funeral trousseau, two sarcophagi, and eight urns, all of which are in an exceptional state of conservation. The urns, made of local white travertine, are carved with scenes of battle, the hunt, and mythological episodes, including the Etruscan version of the killing of Troilus by Achilles.

Among the artifacts is a rare decorated parcel-gilt silver earscoop from the Middle Ages, although it is noted that this item predates the tomb it was found in. Additionally, the funerary set includes bronze pottery, a balsamarium with traces of perfumed unguent, a bone comb, and four bronze mirrors decorated with figurative engravings. One of the mirrors depicts the she-wolf nursing a child, a rare reference to the foundational myth of Rome in Etruscan art.

The Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, highlighted the significance of this discovery, emphasizing the importance of archaeological, cultural, and historical heritage for Italy. These findings offer a new opportunity to explore the fascinating Etruscan universe and contribute to the understanding of the complex stratification of societies that have shaped Italy’s history.