It is almost intact.
A large, four-wheeled ceremonial float was unearthed in the Civita Giuliana district, a few hundred meters north of the archaeological site of Pompeii.
“It is an extraordinary discovery for the knowledge of the ancient world.
In the past, we have found transport vehicles in Pompeii […] but nothing like the Civita Giuliana chariot, ”the director of the archaeological park, Massimo Osanna, rejoices in a statement.
The iron elements of the chariot but also bronze and pewter decorations and mineralized wood remains were discovered in an unprecedented state of conservation.
READ ALSO>
VIDEO.
An ancient street food stall unearthed in Pompeii
The chariot was discovered in a porch in front of a stable where, already in 2018, the remains of 3 equines, including a harnessed horse, had been found, the statement said.
This discovery was made as part of the fight against grave robbers, particularly active in this area of Italy, full of archaeological treasures yet to be discovered.
"Pompeii continues to amaze us with its discoveries and it will be like this for many years to come, with another 20 hectares to be excavated", declared the Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini, quoted in a statement from his ministry.
“It is a ceremonial float […] not used on a daily basis or for agricultural transport, but to accompany moments of celebration in the community, parades and processions,” added the expert.
Like most Italian cultural sites, Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, has remained closed in recent months due to the Covid pandemic and only reopened on January 18.
In 2019, the site had welcomed more than 3.9 million visitors, making it the third most visited site in Italy after the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi Museum in Florence.
