- Archaeologists found a preserved ceremonial chariot near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
- Experts say it is like nothing found in Italy before and was probably used for ceremonies.
- Pompeii was covered with volcanic ash in 79 AD, which means that it was well preserved.
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Archaeologists in Italy have discovered a remarkably well-preserved ceremonial chariot near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
A statement on the Pompeii website called it an “exceptional discovery” because “it represents a unique discovery – unparalleled in Italy so far – in an excellent state of preservation”.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD covered the city with volcanic ash, leaving it preserved and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Massimo Osanna, the current Director of the Archaeological Park, said in a statement that the carriage was probably used for parties and parades or to bring a bride to the wedding, instead of daily use.
He said that this type of carriage “never left Italian soil”.
The carriage has four wheels and pieces made of iron and decorations made of bronze, tin and wood.
Detail of the decoration of a carriage, with its iron elements, bronze ornaments and remains of mineralized wood.
Parco Archeologico di Pompei via AP
It was first located on January 7, but the excavation took weeks because the materials were fragile.
He “was miraculously spared by the collapse of the walls and ceiling of the room” he was in and was not damaged by people who built illegal tunnels on the site.
Experts applauded the discovery.
Eric Poehler, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who studies Pompeii, said he was “surprised”, reported the NPR.
“Many of the vehicles I wrote about before … are your standard station wagon or vehicle to take children to football. This is a Lamborghini. This is a totally fancy car.”
Dario Franceschini, Italy’s Minister of Culture, said that Pompeii “continues to surprise us with his discoveries and will do so for many years, with 20 hectares yet to be excavated,” the BBC reported.
The discoveries in Pompeii gave us glimpses of ancient life.
Archaeologists had already made discoveries, like an old fast-food counter, giving a new insight into how people lived.