Roman ceremonial carriage near Pompeii uncovered

[guy]

Another interesting find in Pompeii:

 

 

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ROME (Reuters) - Archaeologists have unearthed a unique ancient-Roman ceremonial carriage from a villa just outside Pompeii, the city buried in a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.

The almost perfectly preserved four-wheeled carriage made of iron, bronze and tin was found near the stables of an ancient villa at Civita Giuliana, around 700 metres (yards) north of the walls of ancient Pompeii.

Massimo Osanna, the outgoing director of the Pompeii archaeological site, said the carriage was the first of its kind discovered in the area, which had so far yielded functional vehicles used for transport and work, but not for ceremonies.

 

Experts believe the vehicle is a pilentum - a four-wheeled ceremonial chariot. It was found close to the remains of horses, including one still in its harness

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He said some of the ornate decorations on the chariot allude to it being used for community festivities, possibly including wedding ceremonies.

"Considering that the ancient sources allude to the use of the Piletum by priestesses and ladies, one cannot exclude the possibility that this could have been a chariot used for rituals relating to marriage, for leading the bride to her new household," he said.

Dario Franceschini, Italy's Culture Minister, said Pompeii "continues to amaze us with its discoveries and it will do so for many years, with 20 hectares still to be dug up".

 

 

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-pompeii-idUSKBN2AR0E1

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56222992

 

Summary: Just another exciting find in the Pompeii area. if Italian Culture Minister Franceschini is correct, there are more than 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) of area to still uncover. That's equivalent to more than 20 football fields in land to investigate. I am looking forward to future finds.

 

guy also known as gaius

 

 

Edited October 14, 2021 by guy

[Crispina]

Oh my goodness. Incredible. Thanks for sharing.