Archaeological site dating back to pre-Roman times discovered in Italy

NEW DELHI: A burial site dating back to pre-Roman times was discovered on Wednesday in southern Italy during excavations for the construction of an electricity power station.

According to the authorities, the necropolis characterised by rich grave artefacts was found near Amorsi during the preliminary excavation to build an electric station linked to a high-speed train line.

The best-preserved artifacts were found in a burial area of around 13,000 square metres that dates between the final stages of the Iron Age and the 8th-7th century BC. The archaeological site also includes 88 tombs.

"The grave artefacts also included large quantities of vases of different shapes, often stacked on top of each other, usually laid at the feet of the deceased in a reserved space," the local cultural heritage authority said.

Weapons were also found in the male tombs, while the female tombs included bronze ornaments such as bracelets and pendants.

Amorosi Mayor Carmine Cacchillo also claimed that the archaeological discovery is of decisive importance for the city's history and culture.

"This archaeological discovery is of decisive importance for the history of our culture," Cacchillo said.