A recent discovery in Trento, Italy, has shed new light on the city’s ancient history. Excavations on Via Santa Croce uncovered a large necropolis from the Early Iron Age, dating back to 800-500 BCE. The site features over 200 graves, providing valuable insights into the burial practices and social structures of Alpine communities before Rome’s influence.
The discovery was made during restoration work on a historic building, supervised by the Archaeological Heritage Office. The site remained well-preserved due to floods that sealed the archaeological layers for hundreds of years.
Superintendent Franco Marzatico emphasized the significance of this period: “The Iron Age saw profound transformations across the Mediterranean and Alpine regions.” This era witnessed the rise of great civilizations such as the Etruscans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Celts.
Notable features of the necropolis include towering funerary stelae, some reaching 2.4 meters in height, which form subparallel rows marking primary tombs. Archaeologists used micro-stratigraphic excavation techniques to reconstruct ancient funeral rituals. Cremated remains were often collected in perishable containers or ossuary vases, indicating a ritualized treatment before burial.
Grave goods, including metal weapons and ornate ornaments made from amber and glass paste, suggest connections with Italic groups like the Etruscans and Veneti. These finds provide crucial insights into the society’s trade networks and cultural affiliations.
An interdisciplinary team of experts will continue studying the necropolis, analyzing human remains, archaeobotanical samples, and grave goods to unravel the social organization, rituals, and beliefs of this Iron Age community.
Source: https://archaeologymag.com/2025/02/iron-age-necropolis-in-trento-italy