ITALIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS FIND LONG-LOST 5,000-YEAR-OLD COPPER AGE CEMETERY

Sat 09 March 2024:

Researchers are once again fascinated by Italy’s rich archeological surroundings after discovering a Copper Age cemetery in San Giorgio Bigarello, Northern Italy. Buried deep beneath the surface of the earth, this find provides insight into a critical transitional era between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, illuminating prehistoric burial practices and social systems.

This finding occurred during the development of a community garden. The site, which houses 22 tombs adorned with a variety of items, including human bones and weaponry, far exceeded early expectations, leaving researchers in awe of its glory.

The thoroughly excavated and examined tombs reveal significant details about Copper Age burial customs.

In the Neolithic (ca. 6000-4,000 B.C.) and Chalcolithic (ca. 4000-1700 B.C.), the area that is now Mantua was part of the River Mincio basin. The outskirts of the modern city were the shores where people actually lived and died.

Among the most striking discoveries were the burial accompaniments of flint weapons—daggers, arrowheads, and blades—suggesting a deep-seated connection between weaponry and burial practices within this ancient society.

Amidst the skeletal remains, burial goods such as necklaces crafted from soapstone beads were unearthed, offering glimpses into the cultural and personal adornments of the era.

The exceptional preservation of some tombs, attributed to the sandy hill location of the cemetery, facilitated by dry sand conditions conducive to skeletal conservation, allowed for the meticulous study of these artifacts and their potential significance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the excavation was the constant burial orientation found in several of the remains. This unique burial posture, with legs bent towards their chests and heads facing northwest, exhibits significant resemblance to burial traditions reported in the Remedello civilization, implying potential cultural linkages and influences within the region.

The presence of weaponry among the remains suggests the socioeconomic structures and functions present throughout the Copper Age. The identification of soldiers among the interred individuals throws light on the complicated relationship between culture, battle, and burial practices.

Archaeologists are continuing to explore the site. Meanwhile, the skeletal remains and grave goods are being removed to Palazzo Ducale complex in Mantua for further analysis and conservation. There has been some discussion of creating a dedicated museum to house the finds and make them more accessible to visitors.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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