In a historic revelation, archaeologists have discovered a sealed chamber tomb featuring a captivating fresco of Cerberus, the renowned three-headed dog from Ancient Greek mythology said to guard the gates of the underworld. Located in the suburb of Giugliano near Naples, the tomb, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, was unearthed during an archaeological survey ahead of maintenance work on the city’s water system.
The burial chamber was brought to light after archaeologists identified a wall constructed using the ancient Roman method known as opus incertum . Initially, the wall was thought to mark the boundary of a necropolis, but it turned out to be the frontal wall of the chamber tomb, which was meticulously sealed with a slab of tuff, a lightweight, porous rock formed from volcanic ash. To access the inner sanctum of the burial chamber, researchers carefully removed tiles covering the ceiling opening, unveiling what has been described by the Archaeological Superintendency of Naples as an “unprecedented” find.
Entrance to the chamber tomb discovered near Naples. (Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per l’Area Metropolitana di Napoli )
Inside, the tomb boasts frescoes in near-pristine condition, covering its ceilings and walls. Among the standout features are mythological scenes, including ichthyocentaurs—centaurine-type sea gods combining human, horse, and fish elements. A particularly riveting scene displays two ichthyocentaurs holding an ancient Greco-Roman shield,…
