The Find of a Lifetime

A team of archaeologists, led by Davide Zori, Ph.D., associate professor of history and archaeology in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core and principal investigator for San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project (SGARP), has uncovered a rare, intact Etruscan chamber tomb in central Italy — a discovery hailed as one of the most significant finds in recent decades for understanding the ancient pre-Roman civilization.

SGARP is a Baylor-led interdisciplinary team of archaeologists, art historians, geologists and historians working in partnership with the Virgil Academy in Rome under the auspices of Italy’s Ministry of Culture and in full partnership with the town of Barbarano Romano.

“This completely sealed burial chamber represents a rare find for Etruscan archaeology,” Zori said. “In the internal hilly region of central Italy, where the SGARP team works, a preserved chamber tomb of this age has never before been excavated with modern archaeological techniques. It is a unique opportunity for our project to study the beliefs and burial traditions of this fascinating pre-Roman culture.”

The sealed chamber tomb at San Giuliano — a site located approximately 70 km northwest of Rome — dates back 2,600 years, according to Zori.

As an active field school since 2016, the academic opportunities and educational impact of this discovery extend far beyond the immediate research team. Students from Baylor join the project every summer as part of a study abroad course, Archaeology and Research in Italy, led by Zori.

“Being part of a project that uncovered an unlooted tomb was extremely surreal,” said Kendall Peterson, senior anthropology major. “It is something that archaeologists hope for their entire careers, and it was incredibly emotional to witness not only our professors’ reactions but also the pride and excitement of the local community of Barbarano.”