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Archaeologists have discovered an unusually well-preserved ceremonial float used for processions and parades near the ancient city of Pompeii. As the excavation site announced on Saturday, it is “a large ceremonial wagon with four wheels, beautiful decorations of bronze and tin and petrified wood and remains of organic elements.” The car was found a few hundred meters north of the famous archaeological site of Civita Giuliana and was “almost intact”.
On the side it is adorned with tin and bronze ornaments, which show men and women in erotic scenes.
During ancient times, there was a stable on the site. In 2018, archaeologists had already found the remains of three horses there, as announced by the excavation site. Explorations in the area also serve to combat grave robbers who are active in the archaeologically rich zone in southern Italy.
One of the top three tourist attractions in Italy
“Pompeii continues to surprise us with its discoveries,” read a message from Italy’s Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini. It will continue like this, because there are still another 20 hectares to be excavated.
The outgoing director of the excavation site, Massimo Osanna, called the find “exceptional.” Vintage cars had already been found in Pompeii, but “nothing comparable to the Civita Giuliana car.” The vehicle was not intended for everyday use, but for festivals and parades, the expert added.
Like most Italian cultural sites, Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, has remained closed in recent months due to the corona pandemic. The site did not reopen until January 18. In 2019, more than 3.9 million visitors came to Pompeii. It is the third most visited attraction in Italy after the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. (AFP)
