Ancient Necropolis Discovered During Pasta Factory Expansion in Italy

An unexpected archaeological discovery occurred during the expansion of a pasta factory in Gragnano, Italy, when a 2,600-year-old necropolis was uncovered. This significant find took place at the Pasta Garofalo factory, located near Naples.

The excavation work lasted from 2025 to 2026, with the results announced in July. The necropolis dates back to the first half of the sixth century B.C., belonging to the Archaic period. This era precedes the rise of the Roman Empire.

Photographs from the site display rows of stone burial chambers, along with human remains, pottery, and other ancient artifacts. Some of these chambers preserved materials like textiles, wooden objects, and woven baskets. These items offer insights into funerary practices, social structures, and everyday life during that period.

The grave goods discovered include Egyptian scarabs, amber ornaments shaped like animals, and artifacts made of silver and bronze with Etruscan origins. These finds highlight Gragnano’s role as a central hub in Mediterranean trade networks, linking Greek, Egyptian, and Etruscan cultures.

Pasta Garofalo has embraced this discovery, recognizing it enriches their long-standing connection with Gragnano and the local pasta-making tradition. Massimo Menna, CEO of Pasta Garofalo, expressed pride and responsibility in light of this find. He emphasized the company’s dedication to preserving and enhancing local heritage.

Researchers will continue to study the osteological remains from the necropolis to gain insights into the ancient community’s diet, mobility, and living conditions. This ongoing research aims to better understand the region’s inhabitants during the Archaic period.

This discovery is part of a series of necropolis findings across Italy. Earlier this year, a sanctuary emerged in northern Italy during highway construction, and in 2025, a 3,000-year-old ‘city of the dead’ was found in Trento, dating back to the Iron Age.