Italy’s Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (NTPC) has recovered a significant trove of Etruscan artefacts. It included two sarcophagi and eight urns, described as being of “exceptional” historical value.
The artefacts, believed to have been looted during illegal excavations, date back to the 3rd century BCE Hellenistic period.
The urns, all intact, were uncovered following a clandestine dig in Città della Pieve, southern Tuscany. Made of white Umbrian travertine, they have intricate high-relief carvings depicting battle scenes, hunting motifs, and friezes. Some retain traces of polychrome pigments and gold leaf. Among the more striking decorations are representations of the myth of Achilles and Troilus.
Of the two sarcophagi, one includes the skeleton of the deceased, while the other is represented solely by its lid.
A Rich Funeral Trove
The recovered funeral items include a variety of earthenware and metal objects, offering a glimpse into Etruscan burial customs. Highlights include, four bronze mirrors, one featuring an engraving of the ancient deification of Rome alongside the she-wolf suckling Romulus. There was also a balsamarium, still containing traces of ancient perfume. A bone comb, and several bronze situlae and oinochoe, commonly used during banquets and symposiums were also recovered.
Experts have hailed the urns as one of the most significant recoveries of Etruscan artefacts achieved through investigative efforts.
Investigative Operation and Expert Praise
A press conference detailed the recovery operation. The investigation began in April following reports of potential illegal excavations between Chiusi and Città della Pieve.
Minister Giuli lauded the Carabinieri’s “exemplary work” in this and other recent operations. “Today, we see the return of extraordinary Etruscan artefacts that add to our understanding of Italy’s thousand-year history,” he said.
The minister highlighted other notable recoveries over the past year, including:
- 750 archaeological artefacts repatriated from London.
- 60 objects valued at over $20 million returned from the United States.
- The 1493 incunabulum in which Christopher Columbus describes his journey to the Spanish royals, recently repatriated through diplomatic efforts.
Giuli, an Etruscanology enthusiast, expressed excitement over the discovery, stating, “Even at first glance, it is clear that these artefacts are of exceptional significance.”
The artefacts will now undergo further study to unravel their historical and cultural context fully.
