• About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News
  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
Archaeology News
No Result
View All Result
Home News Anthropology

Large Copper Age necropolis unearthed in Northern Italy

by Dario Radley
February 17, 2024

Archaeologists in the town of San Giorgio Bigarello, near Mantua, have unearthed a vast necropolis dating back approximately 5,000 years to the Copper Age. This finding has stunned researchers both for the sheer number of tombs uncovered—22 in total—and the wealth of archaeological treasures within them.

Large Copper Age necropolis unearthed in Northern Italy
Overhead view of a burial dating to the Copper Age at San Giorgio Bigarello. Credit: The Municipality of San Giorgio Bigarello

The first indications of this remarkable find emerged during an archaeological survey in November, with subsequent excavations in January and February 2024 revealing the extent of the necropolis. These initial isolated burials found about 16 inches beneath the surface, were just a fraction of what was to come, as further exploration unveiled a much larger burial ground. Despite the passage of millennia, the graves remained remarkably intact, thanks to the fortunate preservation conditions of the sandy soil.

Among the most striking discoveries were the exquisitely crafted weapons found in some of the tombs, including finely made daggers, flawless arrowheads, and other blades, indicative of the advanced technical skills of the ancient craftsmen. Additionally, jewelry items such as necklace beads were unearthed, raising intriguing questions about their chronology and the materials from which they were made, likely dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.

The majority of the burials followed a consistent pattern, with the deceased laid to rest on their left sides, legs bent towards their chests, and heads facing northwest. This burial practice echoes similar customs observed in Neolithic cultures in northern Italy.

Large Copper Age necropolis unearthed in Northern Italy
Detail of a skeleton holding a flint blade in its fingers and an arrowhead on the elbow. Credit: The Municipality of San Giorgio Bigarello

Further excavations in January revealed an additional 19 graves, confirming the suspicions of archaeologists that this site was indeed a cemetery, rather than a collection of random burials. These newly discovered burials reinforced the significance of the necropolis, with each grave offering potential avenues for research into aspects such as age, paleopathology, diet, and even the origins of the individuals interred.

RelatedStories

Prehistoric animal remains in Iran's Wezmeh Cave reveal ancient Zagros ecosystems

Prehistoric animal remains in Iran’s Wezmeh Cave reveal Zagros biodiversity

May 27, 2025
Over 300 skeletons and medieval church found at Gloucester City Campus site

Over 300 skeletons and medieval church found at Gloucester City Campus site

April 27, 2025

Mayor Beniamino Morselli expressed enthusiasm for commemorating the site within the town’s public garden, allowing visitors to connect with the ancient stories of those who once lived in this landscape of water and sands.

Archaeologist Simone Sestito, who led the research efforts, emphasized the importance of ongoing study and conservation efforts to ensure that these artifacts are preserved and made accessible for future generations.

Discussions have already begun about the possibility of establishing a dedicated museum to showcase these findings, further enhancing their accessibility and educational value.


Stay updated with us! Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, and Linkedin, and join our WhatsApp and Telegram channels for the latest in archaeology, all directly on your favorite platforms!
ShareTweetShareShareSend

You May Also Like...

Legend of Dutch basin debunked by science: Spanish treasure fleet silver not entirely authentic
Archaeology

Legend of Dutch basin debunked by science: Spanish treasure fleet silver not entirely authentic

June 8, 2025
Vengeful noblewoman ordered priest’s murder in medieval London
Archaeology

Vengeful noblewoman ordered priest’s murder in medieval London

June 7, 2025
New study reveals how the 3,600-year-old Nebra Sky Disk was crafted
Archaeology

Ancient manufacturing secrets of the Nebra Sky Disc reconstructed by researchers

June 7, 2025
AI reveals Dead Sea Scrolls may be older than previously thought
Archaeology

AI reveals Dead Sea Scrolls may be older than previously thought

June 7, 2025
Carpetani relief reveals hidden power behind Iron Age Spain’s Mediterranean links
Archaeology

Carpetani relief reveals hidden power behind Iron Age Spain’s Mediterranean links

June 6, 2025
Ancient Phrygian royal tomb linked to King Midas’ family unearthed in Gordion, Turkey
Archaeology

Ancient Phrygian royal tomb linked to King Midas’ family unearthed in Gordion, Turkey

June 6, 2025

Follow us


Instagram
247K

Facebook
105K

Threads
42K

LinkedIn
12K

Twitter
6K

YouTube
1K
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

May 18, 2025
Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

May 28, 2025
Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

May 17, 2025
maya-collapse-was-transformation-

Ancient DNA reveals Maya collapse was a transformation, not extinction

June 1, 2025
Stunning 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled in the Negev Desert of Israel

Stunning 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled in the Negev Desert of Israel

May 27, 2025
$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius' eruption

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado's expedition

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado’s expedition

Legend of Dutch basin debunked by science: Spanish treasure fleet silver not entirely authentic

Legend of Dutch basin debunked by science: Spanish treasure fleet silver not entirely authentic

June 8, 2025
Vengeful noblewoman ordered priest’s murder in medieval London

Vengeful noblewoman ordered priest’s murder in medieval London

June 7, 2025
New study reveals how the 3,600-year-old Nebra Sky Disk was crafted

Ancient manufacturing secrets of the Nebra Sky Disc reconstructed by researchers

June 7, 2025
AI reveals Dead Sea Scrolls may be older than previously thought

AI reveals Dead Sea Scrolls may be older than previously thought

June 7, 2025
Carpetani relief reveals hidden power behind Iron Age Spain’s Mediterranean links

Carpetani relief reveals hidden power behind Iron Age Spain’s Mediterranean links

June 6, 2025

Archaeology News online magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.











Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

About  .  Contact  .  Donation

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.