Ancient Necropolis Uncovered During Italian Pasta Factory Expansion

Archaeologists unearthed a 2,600-year-old city of the dead during the expansion of a pasta factory in Gragnano, Italy, located near Naples. The discovery took place at the Pasta Garofalo factory, as announced by the company recently.

Archaeological excavation occurred ahead of the factory’s expansion from 2025 to 2026. The site dates back to the first half of the sixth century B.C., a time known as the Archaic period in Mediterranean history, preceding the Roman Empire.

Images from the site reveal extensive rows of stone burial chambers that contain human remains, pottery, and other historical artifacts. Archaeologists identified a necropolis featuring materials rarely preserved over millennia, including textiles, wooden items, and woven baskets. These findings enhance the understanding of funeral rituals, social structures, and daily life during that era.

Among the significant discoveries are Egyptian scarabs, animal-shaped amber ornaments, and silver and bronze artifacts believed to be of Etruscan origin. These remarkable items indicate the vital role of ancient Gragnano as a hub within the Mediterranean trade routes, linking Greek, Egyptian, and Etruscan cultures.

Pasta Garofalo expressed particular interest in the discovery, reflecting its deep-rooted connections with Gragnano’s cultural and pasta-making heritage. CEO Massimo Menna emphasized the company’s pride and responsibility in preserving the historical significance found at their site.

The ongoing research will focus on analyzing osteological remains to gain insights into the diet, mobility, and living conditions of the ancient populations in the region during the period in question. Understanding these factors will shed light on how communities adapted and interacted in Gragnano’s past.

This remarkable find is part of a series of necropolis discoveries across Italy. Earlier reports noted an ancient sanctuary found in northern Italy during highway construction and a nearly 3,000-year-old necropolis in Trento dating back to the Iron Age.