As you read this story, you will learn the following:
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Experts working at the tomb of Cerberus in the Giuliano area of Naples have opened a 2,000-year-old sarcophagus.
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Inside, they found a remarkably well-preserved body, lying face up and covered with a shroud.
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Continued analysis of the sarcophagus contents could provide new social, cultural and scientific insights into ancient life.
After initially using tiny cameras to probe a 2,000-year-old sarcophagus in Naples, archaeologists were inspired by what they saw to enter the sealed tomb for the first time. But when they opened a passage inside a sarcophagus that had been sealed for thousands of years, they were shocked by what they found.
A team of archaeologists led by Simona Formola discovered a man lying face up while investigating the tomb of Cerberus in the city of Giuliano, northwest of Naples, which they considered to be “in an excellent state of preservation,” according to a statement translated by the Naples Metropolitan Region’s Director of Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape. The body of the deceased was covered with a shroud and surrounded by an array of objects, including several jars of ointments and body cleansing tools commonly used during burials.
The team believes the special care given to the deceased, combined with items found near the body, suggests the person in the sarcophagus was a member of the family for which the tomb was originally built.
Marian Nuzzo, head of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, said in a statement: “The Tomb of Cerberus continues to provide valuable information about the Flegrei area near Litenum, expanding knowledge of the past and providing opportunities for research of a multidisciplinary nature.”
The team now has a new treasure trove of information to mine. “Laboratory analysis of samples collected from burials and sediment beds has returned a wealth of data on the handling and burial rituals of the deceased, significantly adding to our knowledge,” Nuzzo said.
The team believes that the Shroud was likely mineralized due to the unique climatic conditions inside the tomb. Fabric analysis is ongoing, but archaeologists hope to determine the structure, type and quality of yarn used in the tomb. They hope the information will help gather more social and cultural details.
Along with DNA analysis of the remains, the team is also continuing to analyze organic material found inside the sarcophagus, including pollen. They have learned that the bodies may have been treated with a cream based on pigweed (also known as pigweed) and absinthe, designed to improve preservation.
The ministry hopes that continued sampling and analysis of all aspects found within the sarcophagi will yield more details about the surrounding cemeteries, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of the social and cultural makeup of Naples 2,000 years ago.
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