At the Monterozzi necropolis in Tarquinia (Viterbo), an excavation campaign has just concluded, yielding exceptional surprises. An untouched tomb, likely dating to the late 8th century BC, has been discovered. During the first cleaning of the walls and burial bed, traces of red and yellow paint were discovered, indicating the remains of the oldest pictorial artwork yet discovered in Tarquinia. Despite being damaged by water intrusion, the burial goods have been retrieved in major parts and are being restored. Clay vases, personal ornaments, and bronze plate containers were among the treasures discovered. The amount of little bronze rings scattered across the area is quite remarkable. The tomb is positioned on the edge of a plain, in an area with a great view of the ancient city, and where explorations from the 1950s to the 1970s yielded no noteworthy archaeological discoveries.
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