The Pompeii Archaeological Park on Saturday announced the discovery of a large ceremonial float found in spectacular condition a few hundred meters north of the famous Italian cultural site.
“A large ceremonial chariot with four wheels, its iron elements, beautiful bronze and pewter ornaments, remains of mineral wood, imprints of organic elements (from ropes to remains of vegetable ornaments) have been found almost intact,” a press release from Archaeological Park states.
The chariot was found in a driveway in front of a stable, and already in 2018, the remains of 3 horses, including a pony, were found.
The discovery took place in Civita Giuliana, a few hundred meters north of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
This took place as part of the fight against grave thieves, especially active in this area of Italy, with archaeological treasures not yet discovered.
“Pompeii continues to amaze us with its discoveries and will continue to do so for many years to come, with 20 hectares still to be excavated,” Culture Minister Dario Francischi said in a statement from his ministry.
“This is an extraordinary discovery for ancient world knowledge. In the past we found Pompeii transport vehicles (…) or two tanks (…), but nothing like the Civita Giuliana tank, ”Massimo Osanna, the outgoing director of the Archaeological Park, was quoted as saying in a press release.
“It will not be used as a festive float (…) for everyday or agricultural transportation, but along with community, parades and ions cheering ceremonies,” the expert said.
Like most Italian cultural sites, Pompeii, buried by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, closed in recent months due to the Kovid epidemic and reopened only on January 18. In 2019, the site welcomed over 3.9 million visitors, making it the third most visited site in Italy after the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi Museum in Florence.