Human remains from 2,000 years ago have been found in the Tomb of Cerberus in the Campania town of Giugliano. A discovery made possible by a targeted intervention. Experts first inspected with a microcamera the sarcophagus found during excavations in recent months, and then broke through to its interior. The excavation activities, coordinated by archaeologist Simona Formola led to the exceptional discovery of a corpse in excellent condition placed in a supine position. It was covered by a shroud, surrounded by grave goods, including several unguentaries and strigils (tools used to clean and anoint the body). All of these items suggest that he was the progenitor of the family: the mausoleum would therefore have been made for him. The body has probably remained intact, despite the fact that two millennia have passed, as a result of mineralization due to the special climatic conditions of the burial chamber in which it was found. Analyses also suggest that the buried body may have been treated with chenopodium and wormwood creams, which would have promoted better preservation.
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