Pompeii: Archaeologists unveil ceremonial chariot discovery

image copyrightHandout via EPA

image captionExperts believe the chariot may have been used in ceremonies such as weddings

Archaeologists in Italy have unveiled a ceremonial chariot they discovered near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

The four-wheeled carriage was found near a stable where three horses were uncovered back in 2018.

Experts believe it was likely used in festivities and parades, with the find described as "exceptional" and "in an excellent state of preservation".

Pompeii, engulfed by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD79, is an archaeological treasure trove.

The volcanic eruption buried the city in a thick layer of ash, preserving many of its residents and buildings.

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The chariot was found in a double-level portico connected to stables at an ancient villa at Civita Giuliana, north of the walls of the ancient city.

image copyrightHandout

image captionThe discovery was announced on Saturday

A statement by the park described the ceremonial chariot as having "iron components, beautiful bronze and tin decorations" as well as ropes and floral decoration discovered "almost intact".

Archaeologists say efforts to safely free the chariot took weeks after it first emerged during an excavation effort on 7 January.

They said the fragility of the materials involved made their effort particularly complex, with special techniques, including plaster moulding, used to uncover it without damage.

image copyrightHandout via Reuters

image captionExperts say they worked through weekends to ensure the carriage was recovered safely

image copyrightHandout via Reuters

image captionThe director of the site says it may have been used to transport a bride to her new household

The operation was carried out in collaboration with a local prosecutor's office amid criminal efforts to loot items of cultural heritage from the site using means such as illegal tunnels.

'Extraordinary discovery'

Officials described the carriage as without parallel among other finds in Italy.

"This is an extraordinary discovery that advances our understanding of the ancient world," Massimo Osanna, the director of the site, said in a press release.

image copyrightHandout via EPA

image captionExperts believe the vehicle is a pilentum - a four-wheeled ceremonial chariot

image copyrightHandout via EPA

image captionIt was found close to the remains of horses, including one still in its harness

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".

The ancient city, which lies around 23km (14 miles) to the south-east of Naples, is a Unesco world heritage site.

It is usually one of Italy's most popular tourist spots but is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.