Archaeological discoveries reveal Etruscan structures in Italy

Archaeologists in Italy have uncovered significant ancient structures during excavations in the Lazio and Campania regions.

In the ancient port of Gravisca, near Tarquinia, researchers discovered the foundations of a monumental Etruscan building buried beneath Roman colonial layers. The site, which dates back to before the Roman conquest, was identified through large blocks of local limestone (macco) found beneath a Roman maritime colony established in 181 B.C. Previous excavations in the area had already yielded a treasure of 147 gold coins from the 5th century A.D.

In Pontecagnano Faiano, preventive archaeological work ahead of a private construction project revealed a rare “cube-shaped” tomb dating to the mid-6th century B.C. This specific burial type is uncommon in the area. The tomb contained a Corinthian figured crater used to hold cremated remains, protected by a travertine structure. Experts suggest the burial belonged to a high-ranking individual due to the imported Greek vessel and the complexity of the funerary ritual.