A plot of land was selected in Rome to be dug to install a solar power plant, and after two years of digging, they uncovered 57 tombs containing 67 skeletons within the 52 acre patch of land. The tombs lay just below the surface of the grass, barely 20 feet deep and often poking up above the grass at some points, but nobody thought to notice. The patch of land was close to the ancient city of Tarquinia, which is north of Rome. The artifacts are so nicely preserved because of huge limestone blocks that stick out of the ground and made the site hard to plough through, hard to plant and grow crops, and modern living on this land is nearly impossible. For this reason, it’s been untouched for centuries.
The ancient Roman skeletons were found wearing expensive footwear made of leather and golden jewelry. The inside lining of their tombs were covered with cloth, terracotta, and tile pieces and patches. Archeologists believe they’re built to resemble their homes. Some coffins were specifically designed to fit two occupants, most likely members of the same family. Some skeletons were found wrapped around each other. It’s not unusual to find skeletons holding one another, but its the inside of the coffins that made this site interesting. The textiles and designs made in the tomb is a sign of wealth and respect.
Artifacts they were found wearing, enclosed with, and surrounded with included stones, terracotta pottery, assortments of glasses, amulets, clothing items, golden earrings and necklaces, as well as silver rings with amber and engraved initials. Archeologists said the bones show no signs of stress or labor, and with all evidence considered, have concluded that the remains are not of local farmers but instead upper class Roman family members from the nearby Ancient city.
The dig started all the way back in 2022, and any findings that are discovered are being preserved as they are found. A good portion of these relics and fossils are going on show at the castle of Santa Severa in the coastal town of Santa Marinella. The skeletons themselves, however, must first be analyzed so that their origins can be determined. Once the forensic tests are completed, they will be put on show.