MILAN (AP) – Officials at the Pompeii archaeological site in Italy on Saturday announced the discovery of an intact ceremonial car, one of many significant discoveries made in the same area outside the park near Naples after investigating an illegal dig.
The chariot, with its iron elements, bronze decorations and mineralized wooden remains, was found in the ruins of a settlement north of Pompeii, outside the walls of the ancient city, parked in the portico of a stable where the remains of three horses used to be goods. discovered.
The archaeological park of Pompeii called the cart “an exceptional discovery” and said: “it represents a unique find – so far unparalleled in Italy – in an excellent state of preservation.”
The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 devastated Pompeii. The chariot was spared when the walls and roof of the building it was in collapsed, and also survived the looting by ancient modern thieves, who dug tunnels to the site, grazing but without damaging the four-wheeled cart, according to the park officials.
The chariot was found in the grounds of one of the most important ancient villas in the Vesuvius area, with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean. on the outskirts of the old Roman city.
In the same area on the outskirts of Pompeii, Civita Giulian, archaeologists found the skeletal remains of what is believed to be a wealthy man and his male slave in an attempt to escape death last year.
The first iron element of the chariot emerged from the blanket of volcanic material that filled the two-story portico on January 7. Archaeologists believe the cart was used for festivities and parades, perhaps also to transport brides to their new homes.
While chariots for everyday life or agricultural transportation were found in Pompeii, officials said the new find is the first ceremonial chariot to have been excavated in its entirety.
The villa was discovered after police came across the illegal tunnels in 2017, officials said. Two people living in the houses atop the site are currently on trial for digging more than 80 meters of tunnels on the site.