Italian Authorities Recover Etruscan Artefacts
Italian officials have now recovered valuable artefacts, dating back to the 3rd century B.C. These were reportedly stolen from an Etruscan burial site in Umbria by a couple of “clumsy” and “amateur” tomb raiders who accidentally discovered the treasures on their property.
Authorities confiscated the artefacts from two business owners who found the Etruscan burial sites while digging on their land, as Perugia’s Chief Prosecutor Raffaele Cantone explained at a press conference. He notes that the Etruscan artefacts were illegally extracted from burial chambers belonging to an influential Etruscan family that lived from 300 BCE to 100 BCE.
Who were the Etruscans?
The Etruscans thrived in central Italy (modern-day Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio) around 2,500 years ago (8 – 3 BCE) but were eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire. They showcased their artistic vigour, building extravagant tombs, ceramics, and sculptures. The Etruscans were known in ancient times for their rich mineral resources. Their accomplishments in agriculture, metalworking, architecture, and artistry positioned them as a highly advanced society during the Iron Age. They also created their writing system, which is only partially understood today.
Despite their immense contributions, not much has been written about them and their everyday lives.
Which Artefacts were Recovered?
The recovered artefacts include eight stone urns, two sarcophagi, and decorative items like bronze mirrors, bone comb, wine jugs, and a balsamarium or perfume bottle, which still carries its original fragrance. It is thought to have belonged to the Pulfna family—a prosperous and powerful Etruscan lineage. The urns, made from white Umbrian travertine, depict scenes from Greek mythology, female figures, battles, and hunting, with some still displaying traces of polychrome pigments and gold leaf.
These artefacts are valued at a minimum of €8 million ($8.5 million), according to the Carabinieri art police. These items were discovered in Citta della Pieve, situated 90 miles north of Rome. One of the sarcophagi housed the entire skeleton of a woman, who is believed to be in her 40s. The bronze mirror is inscribed with the deification of Rome and its iconic she-wolf.
The Case of the Illegal Excavation
This case dates back to 2015 when a farmer ploughing his field in Città della Pieve stumbled upon an Etruscan hypogeum or underground tomb. The site, connected to the Pulfna family, had previously yielded several urns and sarcophagi. However, the recent artefacts were illegally excavated by two suspects, one of whom was a local entrepreneur owning property adjacent to the tomb.
Utilizing heavy machinery, the duo extracted the relics, later attempting to sell them covertly. The farmer soon informed the authorities and received about €100,000 ($105,000) as a reward.
The Investigation by the Carabinieri
Once discovered, the pair posted images of their “amateurish” loot online to attract potential buyers for the black market. The investigation, spearheaded by Italy’s Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, commenced last April when images of the artefacts appeared online with the name “Pulfna”. The investigation involved phone taps, surveillance efforts, and aerial drones.
Police ultimately arrested the suspects after one of them uploaded a photo to Facebook featuring himself with a stolen artefact. Prosecutor Annamaria Greco oversaw the inquiry and stated that the duo faces charges of theft and dealing in stolen property and could face prison sentences of up to 10 years.
What Happens to the Etruscan Artefacts Now?
The artefacts are now under the custody of Italian cultural authorities, who plan to conserve and exhibit them for public education and scholarly investigation. Researchers from Italy’s Ministry of Culture are currently examining the artefacts. The Ministry of Culture noted, emphasizing this unique chance to explore a civilization that is often eclipsed by ancient Rome.
Image Courtesy – Artnet News
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