Archaeologists have completed the excavation of a 4th century B.C. Etruscan tomb discovered last year in Aleria, Corsica, revealing an even richer archaeological find than initially reported. Studies of the grave goods have commenced and promise new insights into Etruscan funerary practices in Corsica.

The tomb, an exceptional hypogeum belonging to an elite Etruscan, was first publicized by France’s National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) in March 2019. The tomb’s ceiling had collapsed onto the burial chamber, necessitating a top-down excavation until reaching significant discoveries. Initial findings included around 15 pottery vessels, a bronze mirror, and a skull. By mid-April, the team fully exposed the burial chamber.

The deceased, likely a woman based on the jewelry found, was positioned supine with her head tilted left and arms alongside her body. She wore gold earrings and two gold and copper finger rings. Surrounding her were 40 ceramic vessels, including two large skyphoi to the right of her head and a small aryballos vessel on the left. Alongside her right leg were another skyphos and three oenochoai adorned with female figures, all locally crafted.

This significant discovery not only adds to our understanding of Etruscan burial customs but also underscores the cultural connections between Etruria and Corsica during ancient times.