Archaeologists have discovered a 2,600-year-old necropolis, or ancient city of the dead, during an expansion project at the Pasta Garofalo factory in Gragnano, Italy. The site, located near Naples, contains numerous ancient tombs and rare artifacts.
The excavation, conducted between 2025 and 2026 in preparation for the factory's production facility expansion, revealed findings recently announced by the company in July. The necropolis dates to the first half of the sixth century B.C., preceding the Roman Empire by centuries.
Among the discoveries are stone burial chambers, human remains, pottery, and other artifacts. Several tombs contained remarkably preserved materials, including textiles, wooden objects, and woven baskets. These finds offer insights into funerary practices, social organization, and daily life during the Archaic period.
Grave goods recovered from the site are described as remarkable, featuring Egyptian scarabs, amber ornaments shaped like animals, and silver and bronze artifacts of Etruscan origin. Officials stated that these discoveries highlight the historical significance of the Gragnano region as a vital hub within Mediterranean trade networks, connecting Greek, Egyptian, and Etruscan cultures.
For Pasta Garofalo, the discovery holds particular importance due to the company's long-standing connection to Gragnano and its traditional pasta-making heritage. Massimo Menna, CEO of Pasta Garofalo, expressed pride and a sense of responsibility, emphasizing the company's commitment to understanding and preserving the cultural heritage of the area where it operates.
Researchers plan to continue studying the osteological remains to gain further understanding of the ancient community's diet, mobility patterns, and living conditions during the Archaic period. This discovery follows other significant necropolis-related findings in Italy in recent years, including discoveries in Trento and near a highway construction site.