Meraviglie dal sottosuolo. La scoperta archeologica della Tomba del Cerbero a Giugliano

Inquadramento preliminare

Abstract

In an area never previously investigated, in the ancient Liternum district, a monumental frescoed chamber tomb, sealed on the surface by a necropolis from Roman imperial era, was recently brought highlighted thanks to opportunities linked to preventive archaeology interventions. A single room preserves, in addition to the decorative apparatus and grave goods, two masonry triclinium beds, a sarcophagus and a table on which ceramic pottery is placed for the cultic aspects of the funerary rite. A description of the depositions and the grave goods deposited with the deceased is proposed, as well as the rich decorative apparatus with preliminary iconographic interpretation of the subjects represented: two clipeophoric Ichthyocentaurs on the front wall of the room e the twelfth labor of Hercules against Cerberus, in the presence of Hermes, on the entrance wall. The preliminary data of the discovery are analysed, certainly susceptible to various other interpretations, especially in light of the data that may emerge from the imminent continuation of the investigations.