An archaeological investigation ahead of the modernization of the city’s water supply system recently discovered an exceptionally well-preserved chamber tomb on a working plot in the municipality of Giugliano in Campania, near Naples.
According to initial investigations, the grave dates back to around 2,000 years ago.
The entrance to the tomb was closed with a tuff slab and upon entering the chamber one discovered impressive frescoes on the walls.
Photo from https://es.euronews.com
Among these frescoes, the depiction of the three-headed dog Cerberus stands out, which is why the tomb was nicknamed “Tomb of Cerberus”.
Cerberus, also known as the “Hound of Hades,” guarded the gates of the underworld to prevent the souls of the deceased from escaping.
The scene represents the climax of Heracles’ twelve labors in which he succeeded in capturing Cerberus.
The tomb also contains mythological scenes with ichthyocentaurs, creatures with the upper part of the human body, the front and lower legs of horses and the tail of a fish.
Archaeologist Valentina Russo, who was present at the discovery, explains: “The emotions were enormous… the screams, the hugs, us, the workers, finding something like that doesn’t happen every day.”
Full excavation of the chamber tomb is currently underway, and archaeologists also intend to explore the larger necropolis surrounding the tomb.