2000-year-old tomb of Cerberus discovered in Italy: photo

By TravelWiseOct 19, 2023 16:17 PMNews
Share:
Fresco on the wall of the tomb
Fresco on the wall of the tomb. Source: The History Blog

During the renovation of the water supply system in Giugliano, a suburb of Naples, an intact 2000-year-old (according to preliminary estimates) tomb with frescoes on the ceiling and walls was discovered in pristine condition. The frescoes depict mostly mythological characters.

The tomb was discovered on agricultural land during archaeological research as part of a project to upgrade the city's water supply system. Numerous ancient burials and cremations were found in the tomb, covering a period of at least 400 years from the Republican to the Imperial era, The History Blog reports.

2000-year-old tomb of Cerberus discovered in Italy: photo
Unique drawings were found on the walls of the tomb. Source: The History Blog

On the edge of the necropolis, archaeologists noticed an opus incertum wall (a style of masonry using uncut stone of various shapes and sizes). It turned out that this was the front wall of a chamber tomb, still covered by a heavy tuff slab over a square entrance, which was as well preserved as the rest of the building. The upper part of the tomb had been cut out to create an opening to be covered with tiles after all the work and funeral rituals were completed.

2000-year-old tomb of Cerberus discovered in Italy: photo
The entrance to the tomb of Cerberus. Source: The History Blog

Archaeologists gained access to the chamber tomb by removing a slab covering the ceiling opening. Inside, the researchers saw walls painted with ornaments and mythological scenes.

The impressive drawing that gave the tomb its name depicts the 12th and most dangerous of Hercules' exploits: when he descended into the realm of Hades to capture the three-headed monster dog Cerberus.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Trains at London Marylebone Station, London, UK

Rail Warning: Disruption on Birmingham to Marylebone Line This Sunday

Jul 19, 2025 20:27 PM
Railway workers in safety gear maintaining tracks beside a freight wagon

Rail Disruptions in Northern Italy May Hinder Access to Scenic Nature Spots This July

Jul 19, 2025 18:33 PM

Palermo Gains Direct Flights to Warsaw Opening New Travel Possibilities

Jul 19, 2025 16:42 PM

Rail Disruption in Cumbria to Limit Access to Scenic Coastal Spots This September

Jul 19, 2025 02:28 AM
Empty airplane cabin with purple seats and mood lighting

Brussels Airlines Expands Travel Options for Tomorrowland 2025 Attendees

Jul 19, 2025 00:34 AM
Rail workers performing track upgrades at a busy station

Rail Modernisation in Wales to Disrupt Travel from 2 to 11 August

Jul 18, 2025 22:46 PM
Jet2.com aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

New Jet2.com Service Links Edinburgh with Northern Italy’s Ski Resorts

Jul 18, 2025 20:39 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy sky

Emirates Expands Dublin Route with New Flight, Offering More Travel Choices

Jul 18, 2025 18:22 PM
Worker in safety gear at a construction site handling equipment near railway infrastructure

Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel Access to Key Southeast Destinations This October

Jul 18, 2025 04:45 AM

The Venice Times Hotel to Join IHG, Bringing New Stay Option to the City Centre

Jul 18, 2025 02:38 AM

KLM Launches Winter Flights to Kittilä, Opening Access to Finnish Lapland

Jul 17, 2025 23:28 PM
Henley-on-Thames street with bunting and church

Historic Rowing Town Broadens Travel Potential Outside Summer

Jul 17, 2025 21:32 PM
Passengers seated in Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport

Quick Stop, Big Bill: Curbside Fees Rise at UK Airports

Jul 17, 2025 19:46 PM
Cozy bedroom interior with modern bedside lamp and decorative pillows

Niyama Private Islands Completes Renovation, Expands Travel Options in Maldives

Jul 17, 2025 17:29 PM
Batik Air Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flights

Batik Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Jul 17, 2025 09:19 AM

AirAsia Opens New Direct Route Unlocking Easier Access to Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems

Jul 17, 2025 04:33 AM

Etihad and SKY express Open New Gateways to the Greek Islands

Jul 16, 2025 23:42 PM
Cozy modern bedroom with neutral decor and soft lighting

Kenya’s Safari Camps Modernize Facilities Amid Growing Focus on Conservation and Visitor Experience

Jul 16, 2025 21:35 PM
IndiGo aircraft taxiing at an airport in daylight

New Route Connects North England with Mumbai Without Stopovers

Jul 16, 2025 19:26 PM
Modern hotel room with soft lighting and neutral decor

Crowne Plaza Launches New Hotel Near Madinah’s Main Train Hub

Jul 16, 2025 17:41 PM
A Virgin Australia airplane taking off with landing gear extended

Virgin Australia’s One-Night Flight Offers New Way to Experience Melbourne’s Nightlife

Jul 16, 2025 16:34 PM
Modern hotel room corner with bedside table, lamp, and neutral bedding

More Hotel Choices Ahead as Scandic Expands into Ireland and the UK

Jul 15, 2025 22:21 PM

Etihad Opens New Direct Flights to Uncover Hidden Gems Across Eurasia

Jul 15, 2025 20:37 PM

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat Hotel to Open in 2030 as New Base for Tokyo Getaways

Jul 15, 2025 17:46 PM
Delta airplane in flight against clear sky

Delta Enhances Inflight Dining and Meal Options for Summer Travelers

Jul 15, 2025 11:23 AM
Modern hotel room with bed, desk and en-suite bathroom

Ponce to Gain New Spark by Hilton Hotel Near Local Hotspots

Jul 15, 2025 08:39 AM