Ornate Ceremonial Chariot Discovered Almost Intact in Pompeii

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Torre Annunziata announced the discovery of a chariot they called "an extraordinary find." The chariot was found almost intact from the excavation of the suburban villa of Civita Giuliana, beyond the walls to the north of the ancient city of Pompeii.

Archeologists described the find as a "large ceremonial chariot with four wheels, along with its iron components, beautiful bronze and tin decorations, mineralized wood remains, and imprints of organic materials (from the ropes to the remains of floral decoration)."

The archeologists further stated the chariot was a "unique find — which has no parallel in Italy thus far" and is "in an excellent state of preservation."

In the meantime, archeologists around the world marveled at the find. "Still wrapping my head around the latest incredible discovery," tweeted Dr. Sophie Hay of the University of Cambridge. "My jaw is on the floor just now!" wrote Dr. Jane Draycott of the University of Glasgow.

Still wrapping my head around the latest incredible discovery of a four-wheeled processional chariot from Civita Giuliana near #Pompeii. The bronze medallion decoration is stunning but I’m still gawping at its four wheels!
Image 1:@_MiBACT
Images 2-4 @pompeii_sites | Luigi Spina pic.twitter.com/vVkH6leq7V

— Dr Sophie Hay (@pompei79) February 27, 2021

"Pompeii continues to amaze with all of its discoveries, and it will continue to do so for many years yet, with twenty hectares still to be excavated," said in a statement the Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini.

The city was buried under volcanic ash and debris from Mt. Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago and has seen its structures and citizens preserved in remarkable quality. Every so often, despite hundreds of years of digs, the city gives historians something to truly be excited about. This is just such a find!cul