Etruscan treasure, the existence of which was hushed up by researchers (11 photos)

The Etruscan civilization inhabited in the 1st millennium BC. e. northwest of the Apennine Peninsula and was gradually displaced by the Romans. But echoes of its ancient culture periodically make themselves felt.





In 1991, two Italian researchers, Giovanni Lamoratta and Giuseppe Maiorano, reported the discovery of a strange object. The find did not arouse any particular interest. And only 17 years later, a local enthusiast, Salvatore Foschi, who lived in Bomarzo, decided to explore it. Moreover, I heard from my father and grandfather about the existence of an ancient sanctuary, which was called the Preacher’s Stone (Sasso del Predicatore).



City of Bomarzo

Externally, the pyramid resembles architectural artifacts of the Mayan civilization. But technically it cannot be considered a pyramid, since only one side of the object is triangulated.

The ancient builders carved the mysterious megalith directly from the rock – gray volcanic tuff. The length of the object is 17, the height is 10, and the widest point is 8 meters.





There are three staircases cut out on the outer part. The lower one consists of 20 steps and leads to two additional altars. The other two are half as long and lead to the main altar. Along the edge there is a channel, which splits into two others leading to the bottom of the rock. Their presence serves as direct evidence that the structure was used to make sacrifices, the blood of which was supposed to flow down the gutters.



A detailed study of the structure, which was called the Pyramid of Bomarzo in honor of the city, showed that it was built around the 7th century AD and was used as a temple altar. As evidenced by the unspoken name used among the people - the Preacher's Stone. Over time, the functional purpose of the object could be changed.



The lack of interest and, accordingly, active study and research of the pyramid is explained by the fact that it violates the classical well-established history of Italy in antiquity. Therefore, it was officially decided to attribute the structure to the Etruscan era, although the true origin of the Bomarzo pyramid remains in question.