Home » An Unexpected Discovery: Unearthing a Hidden Etruscan Tomb in Corsica
Excavations in the necropolis: in the foreground, Catherine Rigeade, an anthropology and funerary archaeology specialist, is recording an individual buried over a tile tomb; on the right, Pierre-Hubert Pernici excavates the burial of an immature male dating to the 3rd century BC; in the background, Aléxia Lattard is investigating the top of a pyre; behind, Marina-Lou Mizael and Thomas Terracol excavate a burial in a coffin. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]
Excavation Begins at Lamajone
In June 2018, archaeologists led by Laurent Vidal from Inrap began excavating a previously unknown Roman necropolis at Lamajone, located to the south of Aléria on Corsica. The excavation followed a 2017 evaluation that revealed several burials in various states of preservation. Estimates suggested the presence of 500 to 1,200 graves, prompting the Regional Archaeology Service of Corsica (SRA) to authorize a full-scale excavation over a 1ha area.
Excavations on Corsica revealed a previously unsuspected Etruscan hypogeum dating to the 4th century BC. Here we see a view of the stairs and corridor leading to the burial chamber, which lies in the foreground. Various grave goods were arranged around the deceased, including two skyphoi (drinking cups), which were consolidated in situ before being lifted. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]A Surprising Find Beneath the Graves
During excavation of the Roman cemetery, archaeologists noticed a square discoloration beneath some tombs. This turned out to be the beginning of a staircase leading underground. The stairs resembled a discovery made over 40 years ago at the Casabianda cemetery, indicating a possible hypogeum—a subterranean Etruscan burial chamber. This realization elevated the importance of the site, and additional resources and time were allocated to explore the finding thoroughly.
Inrap anthropologist Catherine Rigeade excavating the Etruscan burial. The deceased female was placed on her back on a level platform. Approximately 40 ceramic objects were arranged around her body, including two handled drinking cups, and wine jugs. Cups that were once overlain by offerings now represented by animal bones are visible towards the bottom centre (beside the earth wall sealing the end of the corridor), while the two bronze mirrors are visible to the left of them. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]The Etruscan Influence in Corsica
The Etruscans, often depicted unfavorably in ancient Greek and Roman sources, were known for their city-states in Tuscany and their extensive trade networks. While Etruscan settlements are well-documented in Italy, traces of them abroad are rare. On mainland France, evidence of Etruscan presence is limited and mostly found along the Mediterranean coast.
The excavation site, with the sea visible in the background. Archaeological investigation in advance of building work revealed a previously unknown Roman necropolis, which in turn led to the discovery of the hypogeum. [Image: Denis Gliksman, Inrap]Corsica, located just 140km from the Italian coast, offers a richer Etruscan legacy. Aléria (ancient Alalia) was founded by the Phocaeans in 566 BC and later occupied by the Etruscans following a naval battle in 540 BC. This strategic location became a Roman town in later centuries.
A view of the burial, as seen from the entrance to the burial chamber via the corridor. In the foreground, there are goblets and cups, as well as animal remains. Beyond lie the remains of the woman buried in the chamber, and then the painted jugs. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]The Casabianda Necropolis
A major discovery of Etruscan heritage occurred in 1960 near the Casabianda prison, where Jean and Laurence Jehasse excavated a pre-Roman necropolis. Their work revealed numerous tombs featuring corridors leading to subterranean chambers—essentially banquet rooms for the dead. Rich grave goods, including fine pottery, jewellery, and weapons, were found in these tombs, offering insights into Etruscan customs and social status. This site remains unique outside Etruria and is now conserved by the Collectivity of Corsica.
The Roman cemetery included tombs made from roof tiles. The example being excavated here overlies the hypogeum corridor, which is visible as an orangey stain in the soil, running more or less from top centre to bottom centre of the photograph. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]Roman Cemetery and Site Preservation
In line with its preservation policies, Corsica’s DRAC monitored the Lamajone area. Following the 2017 evaluation, a 1.3ha Roman necropolis was revealed, situated between two ancient roads. Despite acidic soils in Corsica that usually degrade bones, the Lamajone site provided well-preserved human remains.
Excavation of the hypogeum burial chamber under way. [Image: Denis Gliksman, Inrap]Interestingly, past agricultural activity helped protect the site. Vineyard trenches dug in the 1970s and 1980s had damaged some areas, but a 20m-wide strip had deeper soil coverage due to an old sunken path and watercourse. This preserved section, roughly 160m² and 2m below the surface, contained over 100 of the 143 total funerary structures found.
Excavations in the necropolis: in the foreground, Catherine Rigeade, an anthropology and funerary archaeology specialist, is recording an individual buried over a tile tomb; on the right, Pierre-Hubert Pernici excavates the burial of an immature male dating to the 3rd century BC; in the background, Aléxia Lattard is investigating the top of a pyre; behind, Marina-Lou Mizael and Thomas Terracol excavate a burial in a coffin. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]Unearthing the Hypogeum at Lamajone
The hypogeum’s entrance was discovered early in the excavation, marked by red, stony soil differing from the typical sandier cemetery soil. This red fill resembled findings from Casabianda, confirming suspicions of Etruscan influence. Five steps were uncovered initially, and radiocarbon dating of charcoal within the fill suggested a date between the mid-4th and mid-2nd century BC.
Great care was taken when revealing the grave goods within, including the two bronze mirrors visible to the right of this photo. [Image: Denis Gliksman, Inrap]This finding was unexpected given the 700m distance from the Casabianda cemetery. Recognizing its importance, the excavation team expanded to include conservators and Etruscan specialists. They documented the work using film and paid careful attention to post-excavation analysis to ensure the most could be learned from this rare discovery.
Finds from the cemetery include a fine signet ring bearing a female face. [Image: Roland Haurillon, Inrap]Conclusion
The discovery of an Etruscan hypogeum beneath a Roman cemetery at Lamajone is a significant archaeological breakthrough for Corsica. It deepens understanding of the island’s ancient history and the extent of Etruscan influence beyond Italy. Continued study and preservation efforts promise further insights into this remarkable find.
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