Illegal excavations in Naples unearth rare medieval church

Investigations by the specialist Naples’ Cultural Heritage Protection Unit have led to a rare archaeological discovery in the centre of the city after an entrepreneur carried out illegal excavations underground at an ancient medieval church.

To profit from the archaeological site, the suspect is accused of using several of his premises at street level, located in the city centre. According to the carabinieri, who placed the area under seizure, the illegal activities were also aimed at looting and destroying archaeological sites.

The church found in Naples is a rare example of 11th century medieval art

The authorities emphasised the historical importance of the find. The church dates back to the 11th century, located about eight metres below street level, of which a semi-circular frescoed apse is currently visible, in a fairly good state of preservation.

The iconography of Christ Enthroned is partially identifiable, with velarium decorations underneath and a dedicatory inscription that has already been partially deciphered.

Part of the floor of the ancient church has also emerged, made of white marble slabs. The exceptionality of the discovery returns to the public domain the remains of a rare example of 11th century medieval art. Its decoration bears similarities to the nearby Sacellum of St. Aspreno and adds to the not very numerous pictorial testimonies of the medieval period in the country

Digging up the past for profits

During the investigations, numerous premises owned by the entrepreneur in the historical centre of Naples were also inspected. Other underground passages subject to clandestine excavations were seized, pertaining to the foundations of an 18th century palace registered as a cultural asset of special historical and artistic interest.

Approximately 10,000 fragments of Roman and medieval pottery were also taken from the Neapolitan entrepreneur, probably from the suburban sector of the ancient city of Neapolis, which can also be traced back to other areas not explored during the investigation.

A total of 453 undamaged archaeological artefacts from the Roman period were seized, including: red-figure craters, amphorae, terracotta oil lamps and pipes, and Roman and medieval coins.

The recovered material and the entire seized underground area will be subject to further investigations and scientific studies to be conducted by the Naples’ Archaeological Superintendency police, in order to allow the premises to be secured, protected and consequently enhanced.**