MYSTERIOUS ROMAN SWORD FOUND AT APPIA ANTICA

The Palazzo Chigi museum in Ariccia (Lazio, near Rome) has recently acquired a unique treasure, that had been lost for several decades. The short Roman sword, lavishly decorated and complete with its ivory scabbard, was first discovered in 1976 near a tomb on the Appia Antica road in the valley of Ariccia during an excavation campaign. However, it was put aside and subsequently languished forgotten for twenty years in the vast deposits of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

Giuseppina Ghini, the former head of the area archaeology department, recognized the sword as a unique and invaluable piece during a routine visit of inspection in 1994 and had the sword transferred to the expert hands of the restoration team at the Central Institute for Restoration, Rome, who recovered much of its original splendour.

The 53 cm-long sword has many unusual features, including an ivory hilt decorated with four miniature masks, protected by an ivory scabbard. Experts think that, since the weapon was not suitable for battle, it probably belonged to an actor and was used in theatrical productions. Mysteriously, the sword was found underneath – and not inside - a sarcophagus that came to light when an ancient tower collapsed on the tract of the Old Appian Way under the town of Ariccia. The tomb contained a skeleton wrapped in a purple woollen cloak and some grave goods.

The Old Appian Way has applied for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MSTENHOUSE

Info: Tel. +39.069330053 www.palazzochigiariccia.it