Italy’s Carabinieri thwarted tomb-raiders in Naples, recovering priceless artifacts and revealing a hidden excavation site beneath a residential building
Naples: Recently, archaeologists stumbled upon a hidden gem beneath a residential building. They found the remains of an 11th-century church, complete with a stunning fresco of Christ. It was a breathtaking discovery, but the real story was how it came to light.
Turns out, this historic site was uncovered by tomb-raiders, or tombaroli, who have been plundering Italy’s cultural treasures for years. These gangs dig up valuable artifacts, feeding the black market for stolen art.
The investigation revealed that the gang was led by a local entrepreneur, who had transformed his cellar into a makeshift excavation site. They dug deep, creating tunnels that reached about 8 meters down into ancient Naples, unearthing medieval treasures.
But the Carabinieri’s cultural heritage protection squad was hot on their trail. After a covert operation, they swooped in, confiscating the church and a trove of artifacts, including thousands of pottery fragments and intact relics.
These tomb-raiders are a big part of the illegal antiquities trade, often smuggling their finds overseas. They typically target areas near known archaeological sites, like Pompeii and Herculaneum, but this dig was right in the city center.
Massimo Esposito, the squad’s chief in Naples, was surprised by the discovery. He noted that while digs are common in places like Pompeii, finding one in the heart of Naples is rare.
The gang had been working for months, quietly excavating during the day without raising too much suspicion. However, their activities caught the attention of Esposito’s team, who had been monitoring the site and wiretapping the leader’s phone.
It’s still unclear whether the gang intended to sell the artifacts or keep them for personal collection. The Carabinieri have been dedicated to protecting Italy’s cultural heritage since 1969, recovering millions of stolen items over the years.
In the past, thieves in Campania thrived, especially after the 1980 earthquake, which led to widespread looting. But now, with stricter laws and increased police efforts, the tide is turning against these criminals.
Social media has also played a role in catching thieves. Recently, a group was caught after posting pictures of their stolen treasures on Facebook. It’s a risky move, but some just can’t resist showing off their finds.
As for the medieval church, the plan is to make it accessible to the public. Esposito emphasizes that Italy is like an open-air museum, and their mission is to ensure its treasures are preserved for everyone to enjoy.
