Ancient Goddess Figurine Discovered in Lake Bolsena!
Archaeologists recently made a fascinating discovery in Lake Bolsena, a volcanic lake in central Italy. A 3,000-year-old clay figurine, believed to depict an ancient goddess, was unearthed from the depths of this historical site. This find sheds new light on the spiritual practices of the Iron Age inhabitants of the region.
The Gran Carro Archaeological Site
The figurine was discovered at the Gran Carro archaeological site, a submerged Iron Age village dating back to the 10th or 9th century BCE. The site, which has been under archaeological study since the 1960s, was likely submerged due to seismic activity from the Vulsini volcano. This geological event caused the eastern shore of Lake Bolsena to sink, preserving the village and its artefacts under the water.
Photo Credit: Superintendence of Archeology Fine Arts Landscape for Southern Etruria
A Figurine with Ancient Fingerprints
What makes this figurine particularly special is that, despite being submerged for millennia, it still bears the fingerprints of its creator. This unique detail offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to imagine the artisan who crafted it thousands of years ago. The clay figurine, approximately six inches in length, is crudely finished, suggesting it may have been a work in progress at the time it was submerged.
The figurine's rough appearance does not diminish its cultural importance. Archaeologists believe it played a significant role in the spiritual practices of the Iron Age inhabitants. The figurine was likely used in votive rituals, where prayers or offerings were made to it. The impression of a fabric pattern on the figurine suggests it may have been clothed as part of a domestic ritual, adding another layer of significance to its use in everyday spiritual life.
Ongoing Research at Gran Carro
The Gran Carro site has yielded thousands of artefacts over the years, including wood, pottery, jewellery, and household objects. One of the site's most enigmatic features is the Aiola, a large pile of submerged stones believed to have been constructed beside a geothermal spring. Recent studies have shown that these stones cover an earthen mound, with artefacts from the Iron Age and Roman coins found there, indicating the site was inhabited until the late Roman Empire.
Geological research has traced the formation of Lake Bolsena to between 600,000 and 200,000 years ago, during eruptions of the Vulsini volcano. Roman records indicate the volcano was active as recently as 104 BCE, and scientists believe that seismic activity caused the eastern shore of the lake to sink, submerging the Iron Age village beneath the water.
Conclusion: Unveiling the Past at Gran Carro
The ongoing exploration of the Gran Carro site continues to reveal the rich history of the Iron Age civilization that once thrived there. The discovery of the clay figurine is just the latest in a series of finds that are helping to piece together the story of this ancient village. With plans underway to develop the site into an underwater archaeological park, this unique window into the past will soon be open for all to explore.