Amidst the two-year-long excavation project for the installation of a solar energy plant, over 67 skeletons buried across 57 ornate tombs in an ancient Roman necropolis were accidentally found, as reported by CNN.
According to a public statement made by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Southern Etruria, the archaeological artifacts and remains were initially unearthed by the company Eos Arc Srl.
The incredible discovery, which uncharacteristically took the local authorities by surprise, was made on a 52-acre wide area near the famed city of Tarquinia, located north of Rome.
Archaeologists were also shocked by the momentous find because the skeletons, dated between the second and fourth centuries, were discovered adorning golden accessories and opulent footwear.
The tombs that the remains were placed in were also believed to be modeled on the Roman homes of the deceased.
All in all, the archaeologists uncovered a variety of luxurious artifacts including silver rings with custom engravings and amber details, shiny glasses, terracotta pottery, and amulets. Pieces of clothing were also found alongside golden earrings and necklaces.
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A Significant Archaeological Find
Emanuele Giannini, the lead archaeologist at the dig site, told the publication that the expensive articles of clothing and jewelry indicate that the remains weren't that of "local farmers," but instead were the skeletons of aristocrats belonging to "Roman families coming from cities."
This notion was supported by the fact that the bones showed not one mark of stress, typically gained from physical labor.
Following the discovery, Giannini said that they employed surveying techniques to potentially determine if more treasures and structures lie below the tombs.
The lead archaeologist explained that they had a "faint idea" that more artifacts would be found due to a handful of "historical sources" describing the dig site area as a "postal station" that accommodated passing visitors.
"Many Romans would stop for the night to eat and rest, but the magnitude of the discovery is unmatched," Giannini said.
A handful of the archaeological artifacts are currently being exhibited at the Santa Severa Castle located in a quaint coastal town called Santa Marinella.
That said, the remains are still being inspected to trace their origins and reportedly will not be showcased until pending forensic investigations are done.
