P15
The tomb of the warrior
The rectangular grave was limited from a low sandstone sheets wall inserted in a core of clay. It
contained the body of a 25-30 years old adult. A collapse of stones and sediment suggested the
presence of a mould that unearthed the grave. The partially crouched position of the body and its
right side leaned on the stone base suggests the relocation of some bones (left humerus and femur;
mandible). On the left, archaeologists put in light a copper dagger contained into a leather scabbard
(showcase n.6/n. 5.1); they found a spiral silver ring (showcase n.6/ n. 5.2) between the bones of
the rib cage, where the right hand was leaned.
The anthropologic analysis has revealed muscular lesions and damages to the ligament of the upper
limb. Their main cause is the repetitive use of a weapon. The scientific study on the teeth wears
suggests a vegetarian nourishment; large chippings on the left side of the teeth indicate the use of
the teeth for working activities.
Even if the deceased (probably a warrior) dates back to the Bronze Age (2200-2000 B.C), the type
of the ritual, the position of the body and the funeral inventories remind the individual tombs of the
Copper Age. Therefore, this aspect is an evidence of the gradualness of the transition to the Bronze
Age cultures.
In the showcase n. 6, you have some grave goods (n. 2-3-5) and a flint arrowhead
Reconstructive hypoyhesis of the handle and of the leather scabbard
Possible position of the dagger in the leather scabbard, reconstructed on the basis of the
Rock Art examples.
The tomb during the archaeological excavation
P15 The tomb of the warrior
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