The Necropolis of Via Triumphalis (Necrópolis de Via Triumphalis) is an ancient Roman period burial ground near the historic Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. It forms part of the ancient Vatican Necropolis. Almost all of the tombs date from the first century BCE to the fourth century CE.
This part of the ancient Roman Necropolis was discoved in 2003 CE. At the time of its discovery it was found in an exceptional state of preservation, like those of Vatican Necropolis. The archaeological site was opened to the public visitors in November 2023 CE.
The tombs, situated along the slopes of Via Triumphalis, which runs alongside Vatican Hill (Mons Vaticanus), form a distinct landscape constructed on numerous terraces. This area features a diverse array of burial structures, items and tombs, both collective and individual, arranged along pathways and in squares, frequently utilized for ceremonies associated with the veneration of the deceased. This archaeological site is unparalleled due to the remarkably well-preserved nature of the excavated artifacts and holds significant value for enhancing our understanding of pagan burial customs. Many instances involve the discovery of inscribed funerary stelae, shedding light on the identity and personal narratives of the departed, often connecting them to individuals from the middle and lower ranks of Roman imperial society.
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Tiberius Natronius Venustus
The memorial or head stone of a small child, aged some four and a half years, carved in marble.
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Cinerary Urn Lid Depicting a Lanternarius
The lid of a cinerary (cineraria; a marble container that holds the bones and ashes of a deceased person) depicting a slave boy who is sleeping. The young slave of about five or six years of age is carved leaning on his lantern. A handle-straps of a small duffle or satchel can be seen on his right arm. This artefact was found under a nearby tomb of Alchimus.
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Tomb of Alcimus
The sepulcher belongs to Alcimus or Alchimus, a slave who undertook restoration projects in various Roman theaters, including Pompey's theater, during the rule of Nero.
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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