Archaeologists unearth a surprising tomb in Pompeii

Pompeii tomb
(Image credit: Twitter.com/TheLocalItaly)

French archaeologists unearthed a rare pre-Roman tomb containing the remains of an adult woman while digging at a Pompeii site, The Local reports. The undisturbed finding apparently dates back two millennia, to the age of Italy's Samnite people.

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“It is an exceptional find for Pompeii because it throws light on the pre-Roman city about which we know so very little," Pompeii archaeological superintendent Massimo Osanna said.

The woman was reportedly buried with clay jars that may hold cosmetics, wine, and food, a discovery Osanna said could reveal details about what role women played in Samnite society. Since the site was reportedly attacked during World War II, it's not likely archaeologists will be able to find more intact tombs in the area.

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"It's a miracle that this has survived," Osanna said.

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Julie Kliegman

Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.