Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient burial site in the heart of Trento, shedding light on early Iron Age communities and their funeral traditions. The Iron Age necropolis, discovered on Santa Croce Street, Trento, Italy, is one of the most significant finds in the Alpine region due to its well-preserved artifacts and rare structural features.
Dr. Elisabetta Mottes, an archaeologist with the Trento cultural heritage office, is leading the study. Fieldwork is being carried out by Drs. Michele Bassetti and Ester Zanichelli from Cora Società Archeologica di Trento.
Their research could provide new insights into how ancient societies lived, honored their dead, and interacted with neighboring civilizations.
A burial ground shaped by nature
Before Trento became a city, the area was shaped by the Fersina stream, with shifting water channels that often dried up or flooded. Despite these unstable conditions, a large burial ground was established between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE. The natural setting helped preserve the site, allowing archaeologists to study the burial customs of the time in remarkable detail.
Superintendent Franco Marzatico said the site offers a rare opportunity to examine the most powerful members of ancient society. The artifacts buried alongside the deceased suggest high social status, reflecting power and prestige.
One of the most striking features of the site is the arrangement of large stone markers, known as stelae. Some of these stones stand up to 2.4 meters tall and were placed in nearly parallel rows, oriented north to south. These markers identified the main tombs, which consisted of stone chambers covered by mounds of earth.
Over time, smaller graves were added around the principal tombs, forming a dense cluster of burials. The materials used to build these structures came from the nearby eastern hills of Trento.
Large limestone rocks dating back to the Jurassic period were used for external structures, while a special pink-hued limestone, known as Scaglia Rossa, was chosen for burial chambers.
Preserving the fragile artifacts
The excavation has yielded fragile artifacts, requiring meticulous restoration. Susanna Fruet and Dr. Chiara Maggioni, experts in artifact preservation, are using specialized techniques to clean and protect delicate burial objects. Their work ensures that these centuries-old items can be studied without damage.
Detailed soil analysis has helped researchers reconstruct burial rituals. Archaeologists found layers of ash and burned bone remains, indicating that cremation was part of the funeral process.
The remains were often placed in biodegradable containers, and in some cases, in burial pots. Some were wrapped in cloth and fastened with fibulae or pins, suggesting a ritualized treatment of the deceased.
Influence of neighboring cultures on the Alpine communities
The discovery also highlights the influence of neighboring cultures on the Alpine communities.
The Iron Age was a period of intense transformation across the Mediterranean and Alpine regions, with civilizations such as the Etruscans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Celts expanding and interacting through trade.
The people of Trento were not isolated; they established strong connections with the Po Valley, the Etruscans, and the Veneti, exchanging goods, ideas, and cultural practices.