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Italian archaeologists discovered a 5,000-year-old cemetery belonging to a Copper Age society

21 January 2025

5,000-year-old cemetery: Archaeologists of Italy discovered red 5,000-year-old cemetery which belongs to the Copper Age Society. The ancient burial site, which dates back to around 3,000 BCE and expected to provide some valuable insights into the funerary customs and beliefs of the early Copper Age northern Italy’s societies. The site located near the town of Remedello.

5,000-year-old cemetery

Burial Number	Grave Goods	Description
Burial 23	Copper axe, flint arrowheads	Adult male burial with high-status grave goods
Burial 47	Pottery vessel with geometric decorations	Infant burial with a finely crafted ceramic vessel
Burial 89	Shell and tooth ornaments, stone pendant	Adult female burial with a variety of personal adornments

Archeologist was doing encavation at San Giorgio Bigarello, a municipality in northern Italy, during the construction of a community garden During an archaeological survey in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, a significant discovery was made: a Copper Age cemetery near the town of Remedello. Previously known for its Copper Age settlements, the extent and importance of this cemetery were only recently realized. Spanning approximately 2,000 square meters, it boasts over 130 individual burials, making it one of the largest of its kind in Italy. The burials are meticulously arranged in a linear pattern, hinting at structured funeral practices. This discovery sheds light on the funerary customs and beliefs of early Copper Age societies in northern Italy, suggesting a complex social structure and a strong sense of community among its inhabitants. Additionally, the findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the transition from the Neolithic to the Copper Age in the region. Within the cemetery, various burial practices are observed, with inhumations being predominant, often featuring individuals in a crouched or flexed position. Some graves even contain multiple individuals, potentially indicating familial connections. Furthermore, the presence of grave goods such as pottery vessels, stone tools, and ornaments crafted from shells and animal teeth provides valuable insights into the lives and rituals of ancient Lombardian inhabitants.

What was found in the Copper Age cemetery?

Italian archaeologists discovered necklaces made of soapstone beads, pottery vessels with geometric decorations, and bone tools with engraved patterns.