The carabinieri, challenged by suspicious work, got their hands on an important archaeological treasure, before resuming historical research around the ancient city of Neapolis. A look back at this affair which combines looting and historical discovery.
Illegal excavations reveal exceptional discovery
It was by suspecting illegal trafficking that a priceless historical treasure emerged from the Neapolitan depths. For several months, an entrepreneur carried out clandestine excavations in the basements of Naples, eight meters deep. It was then that the Neapolitan police, intrigued by these suspicious activities, decided to carry out an investigation and it was under the direction of prosecutor PierPaolo Filipelli that the discovery was revealed.
The premises were then searched and the authorities seized thousands of fragments of ceramics, dating from the 3rd to the 12th century, as well as an archaeological treasure of 453 objects, including amphorae (vessels used to transport oil, wine and other liquids), oil lamps as well as coins reports the Euronews media.
But among these discoveries, one find particularly struck archaeologists, a previously unknown medieval church, dating from the 11th century. Indeed, this religious building had been hidden for centuries under the city, and even if its state of conservation is not perfect, it still brought joy to experts. The hope of providing new elements on the history of Neapolis, the ancient name of Naples, thanks to these discoveries.
Artifacts that reveal a little-known church
The history of this church seems to be unique, in fact, in addition to the way in which it was discovered, it would seem that it would be a religious site of great historical importance. Because the first analyzes made it possible to identify archaeological pieces of great importance, for example an icon of Christ bearing an inscription which has not yet been interpreted. According to initial studies, it could even be that this church has links with another emblematic Neapolitan place of worship, the Chiesa di Sant'Aspreno al Porto church, from the French Saint-Aspren du Port, a religious building whose construction would be before the 8th century.
Similarities suggest a link between these two places of worship and would perhaps allow us to understand part of the history of the city.
Since the incident, the excavations have come under the responsibility of the archaeological authorities.
As a reminder, the looting of historical places and objects remains very frequent, in 2019, “thieves of the past” were arrested in Pompeii as recalled by the media Courrier International. Moreover, a special brigade of carabinieri, the Comando Carabinieri per la Tutela del Patrimonio Culturale, is responsible for controlling the theft and looting of paintings, vases, and artifacts.
An underground network discovered in the heart of Naples
Investigators discovered that the looters were regulars at these thefts. Indeed, by searching the premises of the contractor responsible for this “work” the Italian police discovered a network of underground tunnels, which connects the medieval church to a listed palace dating from the 18th century. These elements may suggest that the archaeological looting was organized to a greater extent.
Those responsible for these illegal excavations, called “tombaroli”, are known for their ability to find and resell objects of inestimable historical value. Their method consists of exploiting ancient sites, buried under private property, and then reselling the unearthed artifacts on the underground market.
Sources : Le Figaro, Euronews,
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