Marine centaurs in the tomb’s many paintings.
TheTomb of Cerberusdiscovered in 2023 in Naples, Italyhas yielded discoveries of both goods and human remains.
The latter were recently exposed when a coffin was opened after 2,000 years.
Marine centaurs in the tomb’s many paintings. (Photo: Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Naples)
The tomb is located in a necropolis, an ancient Roman burial ground.
It is nearby Giugliano, a city in Naples.
Discovered in 2023, the tomb is both lavish and well-preserved.
The Tomb of Cerberus as discovered in 2023. (Photo: Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Naples)
The size and design of the tomb indicates it belonged to a wealthy Roman family.
In addition to the dogs,ichthyocentaursalso appear in the decorations.
These are marine centaurs, part man, horse, and fish.
Discoveries inside the tomb. (Photo: Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Naples)
Within the tomb, archeologists discovered three altars with vases where offerings would be made.
Funeral beds boasting coffins containing the remains of the ancient family members were also present.
To investigate, archeologists poked a miniature camera into one coffin.
The Roman necropolis in Naples. (Photo: Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Naples)
They sighted a skeleton draped in a mineralized shroud, just as it had lain for 2,000 years.
Continuing the theme of personal hygiene, astrigilwas also discovered.
This tool was used to scrape the skin clean.
Many more details may soon emerge, as a team of researchers across disciplines examines the artifacts.
Textile samples are studied by experts in ancient fabrics, while other experts focus on further samples.
Analysis of the bottles has already revealed pollen from wormwood and goosefoot.
Genetic research into the skeleton itself will add to the picture of the past captured within the tomb.
The Tomb of Cerberus as discovered in 2023.
Discoveries inside the tomb.
The Roman necropolis in Naples.
