Excavations in Ancient Liternum Reveal Gladiator’s Epitaph and Roman Burial Practices!
Recent excavations in Liternum, an ancient Roman colony in Giugliano in Campania, have uncovered significant funerary structures dating from the late 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Led by Dr Simona Formola under the supervision of the Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples, this project is shedding new light on Roman burial customs and the layout of the colony.
Photo Credit: Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples
Discoveries in Liternum’s Necropolis
The excavation site, situated within the Forum and amphitheatre of Liternum, spans over 150 square metres and has been designated as a protected area due to its historical importance. Among the most notable finds are two funerary enclosures, partially preserved, with white plaster walls adorned with red decorations. These enclosures are separated by a deep masonry well, believed to have been connected to religious rituals. A central mausoleum, built using the opus reticulatum technique, dominates the space with its grey tuff blocks and plastered niches designed to hold cinerary urns.
Photo Credit: Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples
Insights into Roman Burial Practices
Archaeologists have uncovered more than twenty burials surrounding these structures, revealing diverse Roman burial traditions. The site features cappuccino tombs, constructed using roof tiles arranged in a gabled formation, enchytrismos burials, where human remains were placed inside large terracotta jars, and box tombs made from brick. Artefacts recovered from the graves, including coins, oil lamps, and ceramic vessels, provide valuable insights into the daily life and cultural practices of the colony’s inhabitants.
A Gladiator’s Legacy
One of the most remarkable discoveries is a well-preserved marble funerary inscription dedicated to a gladiator. This rare find highlights the role and memory of these fighters in Roman society, suggesting that Liternum was home to gladiators who lived and were buried there after their time in the arena.
Superintendent Mariano Nuzzo commented on the significance of these finds, stating: “The territory of Giugliano is experiencing a particularly fruitful period for archaeological research. First, there was the discovery of the Tomb of Cerberus, and now this necropolis, which, due to its excellent preservation of walls and burials, adds greatly to our understanding of Liternum’s settlement history.”
Photo Credit: Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples
Clues About the Ancient Via Domitiana
Beyond enhancing knowledge of Roman funerary customs, the discovery has also prompted new theories regarding the route of the Via Domitiana, the ancient road that connected southern Italy to Rome. The alignment of the burials suggests they were originally positioned along this historic thoroughfare, offering fresh perspectives on the urban planning of Liternum.
Photo Credit: Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples
The Future of the Excavation
Ongoing excavations, combined with detailed studies of archival records and recovered artefacts, will continue to enrich our understanding of Liternum’s history and social dynamics. As research progresses, archaeologists hope to uncover even more details about the lives and traditions of those who lived in this ancient Roman colony.