Pre-Samnite pit tombs contained weapons

A 2,700-year-old Pre-Roman-period necropolis has been discovered by archaeologists during excavations in Campania, Italy. The large Iron Age cemetery is spread across 13,000 square metres (140,000 square feet) of open space. A total of 88 cinerary and inhumation tombs, complete with grave goods, identified the occupants as members of the pre-Samnite Culture. The necropolis is distinguished by a rich collection of burial goods. The grave goods also show distinct gender differences. The men’s tombs contained weapons, while the women’s tombs were richly adorned with bronze decorations such as fibulae, bracelets, pendants, amber, and worked bone pieces. Both men and women were buried with pottery of various shapes and sizes, usually placed at the feet of the deceased. Some burials were notable for the exceptional objects, for example, a large, richly decorated bronze belt…