In honor of this three-headed guardian dog, archaeologists have named their discovery the “Tomb of Cerberus.”
The sealed burial site was found in the town of Giugliano in Campania, located 12 kilometers north of Naples. The team was conducting research in preparation for water supply system expansion work.
The burial chamber, designed for multiple individuals, has remarkably preserved despite being over 2,000 years old. The tomb was adorned with numerous frescoes that also impressed researchers with their “pristine” condition.
The aforementioned fresco featuring Cerberus depicts the 12th and most dangerous labor of Hercules, who descended into Hades with Mercury to capture the three-headed monster dog.
Among other mythological creatures on the walls and ceiling, researchers also spotted sea gods known as ichthyocentaurs holding shields. Hovering nearby, Cupid flits about on tiny wings.
The Discovery Site Revealed Ancient Construction Techniques
Previously, archaeologists had uncovered several ancient Roman burials in this area, as reported by the Daily Mail. During the current research, experts noticed a wall built using an ancient Roman construction technique known as opus incertum. This type of concrete masonry involved the use of large square-shaped stones. A heavy slab made of volcanic ash and other deposits sealed the entrance to the tomb, which archaeologists carefully removed.
What they uncovered were “frescoes on the ceilings and walls in perfect condition, depicting mythological scenes scattered throughout the room,” noted Mariano Nuzzo, head of the archaeology, fine arts, and landscape department of the Naples province.
He also mentioned that the researchers were particularly moved by “an altar with vessels for libations and elaborately decorated burial beds, where the deceased still rest.” Excavation work at the tomb is currently ongoing.