A remarkable discovery has brought a new chapter to ancient history. A 2,400-year-old Carthaginian necropolis was unexpectedly unearthed by construction workers during a routine project to install a natural gas pipeline in Italy. Among the fascinating finds were at least six well-preserved amphorae containing human remains, with many believed to belong to children.
A Chance Discovery
The burial site, dating back to the 4th or 3rd century BCE, was uncovered along an old regional road near Sestu, Sardinia, a crucial trade hub in ancient times. The location, close to bustling commercial areas, is now at the center of archaeological excitement.
The first amphora surfaced in early February, halting construction work immediately. The team from Italgas, responsible for the project, quickly notified archaeologist Enrico Trudu, a specialist in Phoenician and Carthaginian history. From that moment on, experts took over the site, carefully excavating and analyzing the findings.
What Archaeologists Have Found
“We are still in the excavation phase,” Trudu explained. “However, it is clear that multiple elements point to this being a Carthaginian necropolis.”
So far, six amphorae containing child and possibly adult remains have been recovered, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE. In addition to the amphorae, archaeologists have uncovered a variety of ceramic artifacts, hinting at more secrets waiting beneath the soil.
Ancient Burial Rituals – The Enigma of Enchytrismos
There is no doubt about the Carthaginian origin of the findings. The burial method, known as enchytrismos, involved placing human remains—primarily those of infants and young children—inside amphorae or large storage jars. These were then buried in pits carved into the rock, a common funerary practice in the ancient Mediterranean.
Trudu elaborated on this discovery: “In enchytrismos, the amphora served as a kind of ceramic coffin, capable of holding both children and adults. In some cases, we have found scattered remains surrounding the primary burial site, further confirming this was a formal cemetery.”
The excavation team is now extending their study to other areas of the trench to determine whether more burial sites exist nearby.
A Site Full of Surprises
This unexpected find near Sestu has sparked renewed interest in the archaeological significance of the region. Trudu pointed out that the location is not far from Moriscau, another known ancient settlement. “Given its proximity to an existing archaeological site, it was always a possibility that we would uncover something significant here,” he said.
However, large-scale excavation efforts may be logistically impossible. The trench runs through an industrial zone, surrounded by warehouses and commercial buildings, limiting the scope of further digs. Nevertheless, experts remain committed to preserving and analyzing the uncovered relics.
Protection and Future Investigations
To safeguard the site, law enforcement officers specializing in cultural heritage protection are now overseeing the area, especially during nighttime hours. Surveillance cameras and continuous patrols have been deployed to prevent looting or unauthorized excavations.
As for the natural gas pipeline project, work has been temporarily relocated to another section of the site. Construction will only resume in the necropolis area once the archaeological team has completed their investigation.
This discovery underscores the historical richness hidden beneath modern infrastructure. While the full extent of the Carthaginian presence in Sardinia is yet to be fully understood, each excavation brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
