Archaeology & History

Pre-Roman era tomb unearthed in Pompeii

By T.K. Randall
September 22, 2015 ·  3 comments

Pompeii was covered in volcanic dust and ash 2,000 years ago. Image Credit: PD - Alago The ancient Roman city of Pompeii has proven to be something of a gold mine for archaeologists over the years thanks to the fact that both its buildings and its inhabitants were frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD which covered the entire area in thick, choking ash.

Beneath the dust however lies not only a Roman settlement but also indications that someone else might have lived in the area beforehand - most notably the Samnites - a group of tribes who fought bitterly with the Romans in the fourth century BC.The latest discovery at the site, which was found near Pompeii's Herculaneaum Gate, is a perfectly preserved Samnite tomb that contains a wide selection of vases and amphoras which are helping researchers better understand how the Samnites lived.

"Pompeii continues to be an inexhaustible source of scientific discoveries," said superintendent Massimo Osanna. "These excavations prove that the city of Pompeii is still alive and that we must preserve it as it continues to provide us with material for research."

In addition to its archaeological significance the site of the disaster also continues to prove a popular tourist destination in Italy ( second only to the Colosseum ) with more than 2.7 million visitors a year.


Source: News.com.au | Comments (3)

Tags: Pompeii, Rome