Archaeologists discover ancient figurine at bottom of Italy's Lake Bolsena

In a recent article, Popular Mechanics highlights that an ancient, unfinished clay figurine, left to rest at the bottom of Italy's Lake Bolsena for thousands of years, has been uncovered by archaeologists. 

The figurine, dating back to the 10th or 9th century BC, was discovered at the underwater archaeological site of Gran Carro di Bolsena in Aiola, Italy, where researchers pulled the unfinished artifact from the volcanic waters.

The figurine, resembling a woman, appears more as a rough draft than a finished work of art. Despite its incomplete nature, the artifact provides valuable insight into the craftsmanship and daily life of Iron Age Italy. The palm-sized statuette is so well-preserved that it still bears the fingerprints of its creator, as reported by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape, part of Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage. In addition, the imprint of a piece of fabric on the chest suggests the figurine may have once been "dressed."

While such figurines are often found in funerary contexts, this particular one was uncovered in what was once a residential area, raising the possibility that it may have had a ritualistic or domestic purpose. Experts suggest it could have been used for ceremonial practices within the home or as part of domestic rituals.

The discovery was made by the Underwater Archaeology Service team, with the successful retrieval and preservation of the figurine made possible through the efforts of the Italian Cultural Property Restoration team and government divers.

Gran Carro di Bolsena, an area rich in volcanic history, has long remained a mystery, but recent discoveries have begun to shed light on its significance. The site, which went largely unnoticed until 1991, was linked to thermal hot springs and early Iron Age settlements. Researchers found evidence of wooden poles and ceramic fragments on the southwest shore of the lake, indicating the presence of stilt-house dwellers. Additionally, at least four smaller rock formations in the area suggest the influence of the thermal springs, which emit gas and minerals at temperatures as high as 40°C.

In 2020, further investigations led experts to uncover a mound of earth beneath the stones, providing additional evidence that Aiola played an important role in the early Iron Age village. Further findings, including coins and pottery from the Constantinian era, have confirmed that the site was inhabited well into the Roman Empire.

The discovery of the figurine marks yet another important chapter in understanding the historical significance of Aiola, a region whose archaeological treasures continue to offer glimpses into the past.

By Naila Huseynova