Intact ceremonial chariot unearthed at Pompeii's Civita Giuliana
At the Civita Giuliana villa in Pompeii, archaeologists unearthed a ceremonial chariot near a stable that previously yielded three horse remains in 2018. This four-wheeled artifact showcases iron components, along with decorations made of bronze and tin, and features mineralized wood. Massimo Osanna, the outgoing head of the Parco Archeologico di Pompei, confirmed its identification as a ceremonial chariot, presumably the Pilentum, intended for celebrations rather than transportation. The Parco Archeologico and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata, which have been working together since 2017 to address artifact trafficking, announced the discovery. Italian Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini commended the scientific significance of the find and emphasized that twenty hectares are still awaiting excavation, underscoring the contributions of new director Gabriel Zuchtriegel.
Key facts
- A nearly intact ceremonial chariot was discovered at Pompeii's Civita Giuliana site.
- The four-wheeled vehicle was found in the portico facing the stable where three horse remains were uncovered in 2018.
- The chariot features iron, bronze, tin decorations, mineralized wood, and organic impressions.
- Experts call it a unique find in Italy with no precedents.
- Massimo Osanna identified it as a Pilentum, used for parades and processions.
- The discovery was announced by the Parco Archeologico di Pompei and the Torre Annunziata Prosecutor's Office.
- A joint operation since 2017 has combated illegal excavations and artifact trafficking.
- Minister Dario Franceschini praised the collaboration and noted 20 hectares remain unexcavated.
Entities
Institutions
- Parco Archeologico di Pompei
- Procura della Repubblica di Torre Annunziata
- Ministero della Cultura
- Carabinieri del nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale
- Parco Archeologico di Paestum e Velia
Locations
- Pompei
- Civita Giuliana
- Torre Annunziata
- Italy