In the heart of Lake Bolsena, in the Italian province of Viterbo, lies an archaeological treasure that has remained hidden beneath the waters for centuries. This is the prehistoric settlement known as “Gran Carro”, whose existence has been confirmed since the late 1950s, but only recently has it begun to reveal its deepest secrets thanks to an intensive research effort.
In 2024, under the initiative of PNRR-CAPUT MUNDI, the first phase of investigations was completed to restore and enhance this site, with the goal of creating an underwater route that will allow visitors to explore this fascinating historical legacy.
A Bronze Age Settlement
The Gran Carro, which dates back to the Middle Bronze Age (around the 15th century BC), flourished mainly during the Early Iron Age (between the late 10th and early 9th centuries BC).
This settlement is characterized by a dual function: a residential area, known as the “stilt houses”, and a cultic part centered around the stone monument called “Aiola”. Although the existence of the latter has been known for a long time, its true function was only understood between 2021 and 2022.
The current archaeological effort has focused on a previously unexplored residential section, covering an area of more than 150 square meters. The research follows a rigorous scientific approach, something never before done in this submerged context. This new study aims not only to better understand the site but also to prepare it for future underwater tourist accessibility.
The Mystery of the Structures and Layers
One of the most challenging aspects of the Gran Carro is its complex stratification. The site is composed of multiple layers of structures that were burned, collapsed, and rebuilt repeatedly.
These layers alternate with levels of artificial embankments, which appear to have been deliberately accumulated to cover the remains of previous fires, suggesting that fires were frequent in a settlement whose houses, made entirely of wood, had internal hearths.
Among the finds in this complex stratigraphy are mostly wooden tools and objects, such as an axe handle, what seems to be a door lock mechanism, as well as two wooden spindles with their whorls, and even combs probably used for weaving.
Especially surprising was the discovery of a wicker basket that still contained its whitish contents, possibly a residue of some kind of dairy product, which is undergoing specific analysis.
Ceramic and Votive Finds
The fire that destroyed several structures also deformed many of the ceramic pieces found, although some remain almost intact. Among the ceramic finds are several storage pots, amphorae decorated with column handles, and biconical vases. Additionally, decorated cups and bowls were recovered, including miniatures with incisions that could represent a primitive form of writing.
One of the most fascinating finds is an anthropomorphic figurine made of baked clay, which seems to have been made with little precision and even bears the fingerprints of its creator. Its location in the residential area and its characteristics suggest a votive use, probably linked to domestic rituals. This type of artifact is more common in funerary contexts, making its discovery in a dwelling unique in the region of southern Etruria.
Another significant find is a small terracotta horse, also incomplete and fragmented, with markings of holes suggesting that it may once have had wheels. This object, like the figurine, may be related to religious rituals, perhaps as a symbol of the solar chariot, a common icon in prehistoric religion.
The most recent discoveries shed new light on the construction techniques used 3,000 years ago. Unlike traditional stilt houses, which were usually built on piles, the data suggests that the structures of the Gran Carro were built directly on the ground, using foundations filled with sand and debris. In addition, quadrangular elements of baked earth have been found, which may have been part of the house walls. This aspect is particularly interesting, as it could indicate the use of construction techniques similar to pisé or earthen walls, a feature poorly documented at other archaeological sites.
The materials recovered so far, which include more than 150 ceramic pieces, along with numerous bronze artifacts, are being studied by the Central Institute of Restoration. Among the bronze objects are rings, fibulae, small tools such as chisels, needles, and fishing hooks, as well as personal ornaments, like a fine bone pendant decorated with incised circles.
Thanks to collaboration with various institutions and security forces, an exhaustive documentation of the site has been carried out. The area has been carefully divided into 2×2 meter quadrants, and each one has been subdivided and meticulously documented. Each find has been numbered, photographed, and labeled for later detailed analysis, in order to map the distribution of spaces and better understand the internal organization of the settlement.
The next step in this project is the creation of an underwater route accessible to the public, allowing visitors to explore the submerged settlement of Gran Carro. In addition, a 3D virtual tour is being developed, which can be enjoyed from any multimedia device. With more than 500 piles already identified and a unique residential structure, the Gran Carro promises to continue revealing the mysteries of prehistoric life in Etruria for many years to come.
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