6th-Century BC Bone Repository Unearthed in Ancient Greek City of Gela, Sicily

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6th-Century BC Bone Repository Unearthed in Ancient Greek City of Gela, Sicily

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The acropolis of the ancient Greek city of Gela in Sicily. Credit: wikimedia commons / Davide Mauro CC BY 4.0

Archaeologists in the ancient Greek city of Gela (Greek: Γέλα), Sicily, have unearthed a well-preserved bone repository dating back to the early sixth century B.C.

The discovery, made during excavation work on Via **********, includes a large clay vessel repurposed as a funerary container for an infant. Human remains were still inside when it was found.

Experts say the find provides crucial evidence of burial customs practiced by Greek settlers in Gela more than 2,500 years ago.

The Greek city of Gela in Sicily and its ancient burials

The city, founded by Greek colonists from Rhodes and Crete in the eighth century B.C., played a significant role in Mediterranean trade and culture. This burial method, in which large ceramic containers were used as repositories for human bones, reflects widespread funerary traditions in Greek settlements of the time.

The terracotta vessel, originally designed with four handles and a spout for pouring liquids, was later adapted for burial use. This practice aligns with similar discoveries in Gela, including those documented by archaeologist Paolo Orsi in the early 20th century.

His findings confirmed that ancient Greek communities in Sicily frequently used ceramic jars as repositories for remains, particularly for infants and children.

More graves and artifacts discovered

In addition to the bone repository, archaeologists uncovered two more burials conducted using the enchytrismòs technique – a method in which the deceased were placed inside large ceramic jars.

They also discovered fragments of a cappuccina-style tomb, a type of burial structure made from overlapping terracotta slabs, and pieces of imported Greek pottery.

Researchers say these artifacts help confirm the burial site’s date within the first half of the sixth century B.C. The presence of imported ceramics also suggests Gela’s strong trade connections with other Greek city-states across the Mediterranean.

Officials praise the discovery’s historical importance

Francesco Scarpinato, Sicily’s regional cultural heritage assessor, called the

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a major contribution to the understanding of ancient Greek funerary customs.

Scarpinato said that this find enriches our knowledge of burial traditions and confirms Gela’s central role in Mediterranean trade during the sixth century B.C. The imported ceramics found at the site are clear evidence of the city’s connections with other Greek settlements.

He also highlighted the success of protective policies requiring archaeological supervision during urban development projects. With more excavation still to be done, experts are hopeful that additional artifacts will be uncovered.

Preservation and exhibition plans

Archaeologists will now begin a detailed study of the bone repository and the skeletal remains inside. Once analyzed, the artifacts will undergo restoration before being displayed at the Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela in Caltanissetta.

Museum officials say the exhibit will provide the public with a rare look at Greek funerary customs and the daily lives of Gela’s early settlers.

The discovery adds another important piece to the city’s rich history and reinforces its significance as one of the most influential Greek colonies in the ancient world.

As excavation efforts continue, researchers remain optimistic that more remnants of Gela’s past will soon emerge from the earth.

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