Archaeologists under the direction of the Superintendence for the Naples Metropolitan Area have made remarkable new discoveries in close proximity to the ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy's Campania region. The findings, which came to light during construction works for an underground carpark on Via Fucci, have shed new light on the pre-Roman era and the aftermath of the infamous Vesuvian eruption.

Excavations have revealed a fascinating necropolis consisting of 35 pre-Roman earthen pit burials. Each burial was carefully covered with amphorae and arranged in a distinctive alternating neck and tip formation. Thanks to the anaerobic conditions created by being submerged in groundwater, the skeletal remains found within the burials are surprisingly well-preserved. Additionally, sparse funerary objects, including unguentarians (small ceramic bottles) and a number of coins, were discovered among the remains.

Further pre-Roman artifacts have been uncovered in a nearby canal, which are believed to be connected to destroyed funerary contexts. Among the finds are hundreds of tile fragments, pieces of preserved wood, amphorae, and dolia - large earthenware vessels used for storage and transportation of goods. The canal also contained 20 small columella made from volcanic stone, tiles stamped in the local Oscan language, and an intriguing stone head made from grey Campanian tufa, showcasing preserved red paint and depicting the likeness of a woman.

Archaeologists involved in the excavation suggest that the canal was likely constructed after Sulla's siege of Pompeii during the Social War, a conflict between the Roman Republic and various autonomous allies, including Pompeii, which took place from 91 to 87 BC.

In addition to these fascinating discoveries, traces of an extensive field system have been found beneath the thick layers of pumice from the devastating Vesuvian eruption in AD 79. This field system, with evidence of ancient furrows and pits in a north-south direction, supplied the markets and households of Roman Pompeii with fresh produce. The analysis of organic remains and pollen is currently underway to determine the types of vegetables that were cultivated. Interestingly, the presence of root systems and their distribution patterns suggest that perennial artichokes may have been cultivated in the area during ancient times.

The recent findings near Pompeii offer a glimpse into the rich history and daily life of the pre-Roman and Roman eras, highlighting the mysteries that still lie buried beneath the ancient city's ruins. The ongoing excavations promise to uncover even more remarkable artifacts that will enhance our understanding of this captivating historical site.