Archaeologists excavating Vulci, north of Rome, uncovered a seventh-century B.C. Etruscan tomb containing weapons, gold and bronze plates, chariot parts, jewelry, a rare pair of women’s shoes and a nearly complete banquet set, despite repeated looting attempts.
Nicknamed the Tomb of the Stone Chamber, it has three burial chambers. French archaeologist Stéphane Gsell identified the mound’s circular enclosure in 1889 but did not reach the tomb. Return to Vulci project archaeologists now believe they have found the chamber. Initial calculations suggest the mound may have been as large as or larger than Cuccumella, another Vulci mound about 70 meters across.
Side-chamber finds included a bronze tripod made on Rhodes, and some banquet vessels remained in their original positions. British Museum archaeologist and project co-director Christian Mazet described the burial as one “of the very highest rank,” based on its finds. The tomb and mound have been covered for preservation; research is set to continue in 2027.
