Ceremonial chariot was discovered during excavations of a Roman villa just outside the walls of ancient Pompeii. The four-wheeled vehicle, made of wood and iron, with bronze and tin decorations, was preserved almost perfectly when the city was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. In 2018, it was discovered in a portico opposite the stables, where archaeologists found the remains of three horses, one still in harness.
The Italian Ministry of Culture described the carriage as “a unique find, unprecedented in Italy”. The carriage accompanied ceremonial moments of the local community – parades and processions. Other carriages have been found in Pompeii, but these were functional vehicles, used for transportation and work, not ceremonies.
Excavations at the Civita Giuliana villa, a suburban area about 700 meters north of the walls of ancient Pompeii, began in 2017. One of the project’s goals was to protect the villa from treasure hunters who had dug several tunnels in the area. In November 2020, two bodies were recovered from the villa in Civita Guiliana. After the discovery of the chariot, archaeologists attempted to preserve the fragile remains of wood and metal by filling the voids left by decaying organic matter with plaster.
The rear of the carriage is decorated with medallions depicting Cupid, the Roman god of love, and erotic scenes featuring male and female figures. It’s possible that this chariot was used for marriage rituals, carrying the bride to her new home. “Pompeii continues to amaze us with its discoveries and will continue to do so for many years to come, with 20 hectares still waiting to be excavated,” said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.
