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Archaeologists Find Ornate Chariot Preserved in Ash From Mount Vesuvius

The unique chariot includes elaborate scenes on rear medallions that refer to Eros, leading researchers to theorize that it could have been a chariot used for marriage rituals or processionals.

Sarah Rose Sharp

Sarah Rose Sharp

— 3 min read
A large ceremonial chariot with four wheels, along with its iron components, detailed bronze and tin decorations, mineralized wood remains, and imprints of organic materials (from the ropes to the remains of floral decoration). It was discovered almost intact in a stable near the city of Pompeii. (all images courtesy the Archeological Park and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata)

We tend to think of ancient forms of transportation as crude or utilitarian, but a recent discovery at Pompeii proves that the concept of a sweet-ass ride has a history much longer than that of motor vehicles. Researchers and archaeologists are abuzz over the discovery of an ornate, four-wheeled processional chariot found preserved intact at villa Civita Guilia, near Pompeii.

"It is an extraordinary discovery for the advancement of our knowledge of the ancient world," said Massimo Osanna, outgoing Director of the Archaeological Park, in a statement about the discovery. "At Pompeii vehicles used for transport have been found in the past, such as that of the House of Menander, or the two chariots discovered at Villa Arianna (one of which can be admired at the new Stabian Antiquarium), but nothing like the Civita Giuliana chariot."

The chariot was found in a two-story collapsed portico, which sheltered the remains undisturbed since the explosion of Mount Vesuvius despite looting very close to its resting place.
The scenes on the medallions which embellish the rear of the chariot refer to Eros (Satyrs and nymphs), while the numerous studs feature erotes.
The excavation of the chariot has proved to be particularly complex due to the fragility of the materials involved and the difficult working conditions, requiring micro-excavation conducted by Park specialists in the treatment of wood and metals.

The first of its kind discovered in Italy, the ornamentation on the chariot includes elaborate scenes on rear medallions that refer to Eros (Satyrs and nymphs), leading researchers to theorize that it could have been a chariot used for marriage rituals or processionals.

"I was astounded," said Eric Poehler, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who has a specialty in traffic in ancient Pompeii, in an interview with NPR. "Many of the vehicles I'd written about before ... are your standard station wagon or vehicle for taking the kids to soccer. This is a Lamborghini. This is an outright fancy, fancy car."

In addition to the artifacts themselves, every aspect of the site has been systematically recorded via careful photographic documentation and laser scanner surveying.
Aerial view of the suburban villa of Civita Giuliana, beyond the walls to the north of the ancient city of Pompeii.

The wood and metal chariot was discovered undisturbed in a sheltered portico that had been obscured by deposits of ash from Mount Vesuvius's explosion in 79 CE, which blanketed the nearby city of Pompeii and captured a unique snapshot of ancient daily life arrested by the sudden catastrophe. This find was significant not only because of the outstanding nature of the specimen, but because it had somehow evaded the efforts of looters who had burrowed through the adjacent area with some 80 meters of tunnels for grave-robbing and pillaging.

Chariot of Civita Giuliana, detail view

Surely ancient civilization stans can't wait to get this turn-of-the-millennium ride up on blocks and see what new information it may reveal about a society obscured — and preserved — by the sands of time.