In February 2007 there was an archaeological discovery made in the village of Valdaro, just outside of Mantua, which quickly captured the attention and the imagination of scientists and romantics alike the world over. A pair of Neolithic corpses were found buried together, entangled and facing each other, prompting Shakespearean references aplenty. This was only heightened by the fact that the nearby Mantua was the site of Romeo's exile in that iconic blueprint for tales of romance and tragedy. Today, they still remain together, on display under one case. If you have a soft spot for romance be sure to find a holiday rental in Lombardy and stop by to pay the lovers a visit.
The so-called "Lovers of Valdaro", named for their discovery site and the fact that their positioning makes them look like lovers, were discovered huddled close together, face to face with their arms and legs entwined.
Their excavation was led by archaeologist Elena Maria Menotti, who confessed her excitement at the discovery.
Although this is not the only Neolithic burial ever found to contain more than one person, double burials are rare, and the pose and the positioning of this couple are particularly unique.
Their excavation was led by archaeologist Elena Maria Menotti, who confessed her excitement at the discovery.
Although this is not the only Neolithic burial ever found to contain more than one person, double burials are rare, and the pose and the positioning of this couple are particularly unique.
Research into the two figures is still on-going but many questions may never actually be answered. It has ben confirmed that they were a man and woman and were no more than 20 years old. Both figures were around 5 feet, 2 inches tall. The male skeleton (the figure on the left) had a flint arrowhead near his neck and the female had a long flint blade along her thigh, plus two flint knives under her pelvis upon discovery. Initially it was speculated that the weapons might have been the cause of death but an examination found no evidence of violent death, so these items were most likely grave goods. Their discovery in a necropolis also means that they didn't die while hugging, to keep warm during a freezing night, for example, but were positioned that way after death.
Even though normal excavation of a burial sites entails documenting and removing each bone for study, the “lovers” were never separated, but removed and preserved intact. The block of earth in which they rested was lifted out of the ground with large belts, placed in a yellow wooden box, and sent to an archaeological laboratory at the Musei Civici in Como. Their relationship has never actually be confirmed, yet, everyone seems loathe to see one without the other.
Today, they are still together, on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Mantua. If you're a hopeless romantic visiting Italy, this would surely be a highlight!
Even though normal excavation of a burial sites entails documenting and removing each bone for study, the “lovers” were never separated, but removed and preserved intact. The block of earth in which they rested was lifted out of the ground with large belts, placed in a yellow wooden box, and sent to an archaeological laboratory at the Musei Civici in Como. Their relationship has never actually be confirmed, yet, everyone seems loathe to see one without the other.
Today, they are still together, on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Mantua. If you're a hopeless romantic visiting Italy, this would surely be a highlight!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Dada629 / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Dada629 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 1: Dada629 / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Dada629 / CC BY-SA 4.0
