Recent archaeological excavations in Pompeii have revealed an extraordinary find—a pre-Roman necropolis dating back to the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE. This remarkable discovery sheds light on a lesser-known period of Pompeii’s history, offering a glimpse into the lives and burial practices of its ancient inhabitants long before the city became part of the Roman Empire.

A Surprising Find During Modern Construction

The necropolis was uncovered during the construction of an underground parking lot near the Pompeii Santuario railway station, just a quarter mile from the eastern edge of the ancient Roman city. This unexpected discovery was made during modernization work on the railway line and parking garage on Via Fucci. The site is being meticulously excavated under the guidance of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Naples Metropolitan Area.

*Photo Credit: Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per L’area Metropolitana di Napoli*

Amphorae-Covered Graves: A Unique Burial Practice

One of the most intriguing aspects of this find is the 35 earthen pit burials, each covered with amphorae arranged in a unique alternating neck and tip formation. These amphorae, believed to have originated from North Africa, bear makers’ marks inscribed in the Punic language, a reminder of the region’s diverse cultural interactions before becoming part of the Roman world. The graves are relatively simple, reflecting the modest means of the individuals buried there, with only a few funerary objects like small ceramic bottles and coins found within.

Remarkable Preservation and Further Discoveries

Due to the burial site’s proximity to groundwater, the skeletal remains have been remarkably well-preserved. This preservation offers a rare opportunity for detailed paleo-anthropological research, potentially providing new insights into the health, lifestyle, and ancestry of Pompeii's pre-Roman population.

In addition to the graves, other pre-Roman artefacts have been discovered within a nearby canal. These include hundreds of tile fragments, preserved wooden objects, amphorae, and dolia—large earthenware vessels used for storage. Among the most striking finds are 20 small volcanic stone columns, tiles stamped with Oscan inscriptions, and a stone head of a woman carved from grey Campanian tufa, still bearing traces of red paint.

Historical Context: Pompeii Before the Romans

Archaeologists believe the canal was constructed following the siege of Pompeii by the Roman general Sulla during the Social War (91–87 BCE). This conflict between the Roman Republic and its autonomous allies, including Pompeii, resulted in significant changes to the city’s infrastructure and landscape. The artefacts found within the canal provide tangible evidence of the city’s transformation during this tumultuous period.

Uncovering Pompeii’s Agricultural Past

The excavation has also revealed traces of a Roman-era agricultural system buried beneath the pumice from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. These traces, including furrows and pits arranged in a north-south direction, suggest that the fields were once used to grow vegetables, likely supplying the bustling markets of ancient Pompeii. Initial analyses of organic remains and pollen indicate that perennial artichokes were among the crops cultivated in these fields, offering a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of the city’s inhabitants.

The Importance of Preventive Archaeology

This excavation is part of a larger preventive archaeology initiative, aimed at protecting and studying historically significant areas before modern development takes place. The success of this project is a testament to the collaboration between archaeological authorities, local government, and construction teams. As one official from the Superintendence put it, “Thanks to preventive archaeology and the synergistic action between the Superintendency, the Municipality, and EAV, important results are being achieved in the field of protection and enhancement of a territory of crucial historical and archaeological importance.”

The Discovery of a Pre-Roman Necropolis Near Pompeii!