Ancient Skeleton Unearthed in Rome

May 31, 2006 — Italian archaeologists say they have unearthed a Bronze Age-era skeleton in an ancient necropolis in the heart of Rome.

The well-preserved skeleton appears to be that of a woman aged about 30, said archaeologist Anna De Santis, who took part in the excavations under the Caesar's Forum, part of the sprawling complex of the Imperial Forums in central Rome.

The skeleton dates to the 10th century B.C., long before the founding of Rome, thought to be in 753 B.C.

While it has long been thought that Bronze Age people had already settled the area where ancient Romans founded their city, few traces of their society have been found.

An amber necklace and four pins were found near the 5-foot-3-inch-long skeleton, De Santis said Tuesday.

The bones will likely be put on display in a museum after being examined further, she said.

It is the first skeleton to be found in the 3,000-year-old necropolis, she said. Early this year, a funerary urn containing human ashes, as well as bone fragments that appeared to be from a sheep, were found in one of the necropolis' tombs.

The tomb is near the site where Caesar's body was burned after his assassination 1,000 years later.

Alessandro Delfino, another archaeologist who took part in the excavations, said Monday's discovery highlighted a "social change" in the funerary habits of the people who dwelled in the area, from incinerating to burying the dead.

Experts have said the necropolis was destined for high-ranking personalities — such as warriors and ancient priests — heading the tribes and clans that lived in small villages scattered on hills near the area that later spawned one of the world's greatest civilizations.