The city of Gela, in Sicily, once again surprises with an archaeological find that adds new pieces to the complex mosaic of its millennia-old history. During excavations carried out by the company Enel on the central Via Garibaldi, under the supervision of the Soprintendenza ai Beni Culturali, a terracotta osteotheca dating back to the first half of the 6th century B.C. has come to light.

This vessel, characterized by the presence of four handles and a spout for pouring liquids, was repurposed in antiquity as a funerary container for the remains of an infant, whose bones were still found inside.

The discovery is significant not only for its state of preservation but also because it fits within a funerary practice already documented in the region.

Osteotheca sicily child IV century B.C.
Detail of the osteotheca with the remains of a child from the 6th century BC found in Sicily. Credit: Regione Siciliana

In fact, the renowned archaeologist Paolo Orsi recorded a similar find in the last century, confirming that the use of these containers to house human remains was a widespread custom among the communities that inhabited Gela in ancient times.

In addition to the osteotheca, archaeologists have identified the remains of two other burials carried out using the enchytrismòs technique, that is, the burial of individuals in large ceramic jars.

Furthermore, fragments of a cappuccina-style tomb and various imported ceramic remains have been found, allowing for a more precise dating of the archaeological complex within the first half of the 6th century B.C.

Osteotheca sicily child IV century B.C.
Other tombs found under the via Garibaldi in Gela, Sicily. Credit: Regione Siciliana

Reactions to this discovery were swift. The regional cultural heritage assessor, Francesco Scarpinato, expressed enthusiasm for the significance of this find, emphasizing that these elements not only enrich the understanding of the funerary practices of the time but also highlight Gela’s importance within the commercial and cultural network of the ancient Mediterranean.

In his statements, Scarpinato pointed out that the fragments of imported ceramics found at the site confirm the centrality of the Sicilian city in the trade routes connecting different Mediterranean peoples during the 6th century B.C.

Once again, Gela provides us with invaluable witnesses to its history, allowing us to gain deeper insight into the rituals its inhabitants practiced in antiquity. This discovery is a clear reflection of the effectiveness of our preventive protection policies, which require constant archaeological monitoring in any intervention involving the removal of urban soil. We will closely follow the continuation of excavations in the ten linear meters that remain to be explored, trusting that new vestiges of our extraordinary past may emerge, stated Scarpinato.

Osteotheca sicily child IV century B.C.
Detail of the excavations. Credit: Regione Siciliana

Research on these new findings will not stop here. After an initial phase of detailed study, in which the characteristics of the vessel and the skeletal remains inside it will be analyzed, specialists will proceed with a meticulous restoration process.

Subsequently, the recovered objects are expected to be exhibited at the Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela, in the province of Caltanissetta, with the aim of sharing the results of this important discovery with the public.

In this way, the museum’s collection will be enriched with a piece that sheds light on the funerary rites and customs of one of the most influential civilizations of the ancient world.

SOURCES

Regione Siciliana

  • Share on:

Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Follow LBV Magazine on Google News