Ancient Secrets Revealed in San Giorgio Bigarello
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a large Copper Age necropolis dating back approximately 5,000 years has been unearthed in the quaint town of San Giorgio Bigarello, near Mantua in northern Italy. This find has stunned researchers with its scale and the wealth of artifacts it has yielded, promising to shed new light on the prehistoric inhabitants of the region.
A Surprising Discovery
What began as the excavation of a few isolated tombs in November 2023 quickly evolved into a major archaeological event. By February 2024, a total of 22 graves had been uncovered, revealing a substantial cemetery whose true extent has been lost to time. The necropolis, lying just 40 centimeters below the surface, has yielded a treasure trove of artifacts that have excited archaeologists and historians alike.
Weapons and Jewelry: Clues to an Ancient Culture
Many of the tombs contained an array of expertly crafted flint weapons, including daggers, pristine arrowheads, and various blades. These exquisite implements offer valuable insights into the craftsmanship and technology of the era. Additionally, jewelry such as necklace beads was discovered, made from materials that have raised intriguing questions about the chronology of the site, potentially dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.
Burial Practices Unveiled
The majority of the burials follow a consistent pattern: individual inhumations with the deceased positioned on their left sides, legs bent towards the chest, and heads oriented northwest. This uniformity in burial practices provides a fascinating glimpse into the customs and beliefs of the Copper Age inhabitants of the area.
A Rich Archaeological Heritage
The discovery adds to the already rich archaeological heritage of the Mantua region. Once part of the River Mincio basin during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, the area has previously yielded significant finds, including the famous Neolithic double-burial known as the Lovers of Valdaro.
Collaborative Efforts Bring History to Light
This groundbreaking excavation was carried out by SAP archaeologists under the scientific guidance of Simone Sestito, the archaeological officer of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Mantova. The project received enthusiastic support from the local municipal administration, highlighting the importance of collaboration between archaeologists and local authorities in preserving and uncovering our shared cultural heritage.
As research continues, this Copper Age necropolis promises to offer valuable new insights into the lives, technologies, and customs of our prehistoric ancestors, further enriching our understanding of northern Italy’s ancient past.
