Archaeologists have uncovered a major funerary complex dating to the early Republican period in Rome’s Pietralata district.
The discovery was made along the Via di Pietralata and includes not only the tomb complex, but also a stretch of ancient roadway, a small cult building, and two large stone basins, the earliest of which dates to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.
The archaeological potential of Pietralata first emerged in 1997, when previous excavations unearthed evidence of Archaic-period settlements dated to between the 8th and 6th centuries BC.
Those early investigations identified tunnels carved into the hillside and connected to circular wells, interpreted as water-collection cisterns, as well as the remains of luxury residences from the late Republican period.
The current excavation campaign is part of a major urban development project and has confirmed continuous occupation of the area from the 5th century BC through to the 1st century AD.
The newly uncovered funerary complex was carved out in a sloping tufa bank beneath the Via di Pietralata and consists primarily of two tombs.
Tomb A has a monumental rock-cut entrance whose portal is framed by jambs and a lintel, with a large monolithic slab enclosing the entrance. Inside, archaeologists discovered a peperino stone sarcophagus, in addition to grave goods such as intact vases, a black-painted bowl, a ceramic jug, a mirror, and a small cup.
Tomb B, constructed a few centuries later in the 3rd century BC contained the remains of a male skull with evidence of surgical drilling, an unusual find that provides insight into some ancient-medical practices.
Scholars believe the two tombs were once unified by a monumental tufa façade, later dismantled and reused in antiquity. The scale and craftsmanship of the complex suggest it belonged to a wealthy local family.
“These contexts,” said Rome’s Special Superintendent Daniela Porro, “demonstrate how the modern suburbs preserve deep and unexplored memories, enriching our understanding of ancient Rome as a diffuse and evolving city.”
Sources : Finestre sull’Arte
