Excavations at a necropolis in southern Italy’s Liternum Archaeological Park revealed two ornate tombs—one of which belonged to a gladiator, according to an etched marble epitaph.
“This necropolis, thanks to its excellently preserved wall structures and tombs, adds an important piece to our knowledge regarding the history of the [ancient Roman] colony of Liternum,” said Mariano Nuzzo, the site’s superintendent, in a statement.
Two Tombs Excavated at Necropolis Near Naples
The two funerary enclosures at Liternum—an ancient Roman archaeological site near Naples, Italy—were found in remarkably good condition. Both were constructed with an enclosed space and a deep well, which likely served a religious or cultic function. The tombs also feature extensive sections of white plaster covered in red decoration.
One of the two funerary enclosures unearthed at Liternum includes a square-sided mausoleum with a decorative facing on its concrete walls called opus reticulatums, as well as tuff, a volcanic stone. These architectural elements, both commonly found in central and southern Italy, indicate the status of the tomb’s owner.
Archaeologists identified approximately 20 additional tombs at the Liternum necropolis. They determined the necropolis was continuously used from the end of the 1st century BCE through the middle of the 2nd century CE. The wide range of burial styles used and grave goods present—including coins, lamps, and small amphorae—support this theory.
What Was Liternum?
Liternum was an ancient coastal town that became a Roman colony in the 2nd century BCE. Today, its remains are situated about 20 miles north of downtown Naples. Excavations at the site, which began in the 1930s, have revealed elements of the ancient city center, including a forum, a basilica, and a small theater. The necropolis, as well as an amphitheater, were constructed just outside the city walls.
While it was never among Rome’s largest or most successful towns, Liternum is remembered as the residence of Scipio Africanus. Considered one of Rome’s greatest generals, Scipio Africanus famously defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, setting the stage for the empire’s expansion into the African continent. Scipio Africanus eventually retired from public life and relocated to a villa in Liternum, where he died around 183 BCE.
