Roman Necropolis Near Naples Reveals Gladiator’s Tomb and Social Hierarchies

Archaeologists uncover a 2,000-year-old burial site in Liternum with diverse tombs, shedding light on Roman funerary practices and infrastructure.

The necropolis in Liternum, dating from the first century B.C.E. to the third century C.E., includes approximately 20 tombs of varying styles and social statuses.
A marble-etched epitaph identifies one tomb as belonging to a gladiator, offering rare insights into the lives of these fighters in Roman society.
The site features high-status mausoleums made of opus reticulatum and volcanic tuff, alongside simpler burials such as cappuccina and enchytrismos tombs.
Artifacts including coins, oil lamps, and vases helped archaeologists date the site and understand its use during the Roman Imperial period.
Researchers are investigating the necropolis’ connection to the Via Domitiana roadway, aiming to uncover more about the region’s historical infrastructure.