Archaeologists have successfully concluded the initial phase of underwater excavations at Lake Mezzano, a small volcanic lake in central Italy, leading to the remarkable discovery of dozens of perfectly preserved Bronze Age artifacts. The findings reveal the remains of a pile-dwelling settlement (a village built on stilts over water) that existed between 1700 and 1150 B.C. This site, hidden beneath the calm waters of the Latera caldera, is considered one of Italy’s best-preserved underwater archaeological locations and offers invaluable insight into prehistoric life. The project was a collaborative effort, supervised by the Superintendency of Archaeology for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria, with support from the Underwater Archaeology Service, restorers, specialized technicians, and the Carabinieri Underwater Division.
The research team meticulously mapped more than 600 wooden piles emerging from the lakebed, covering about a third of the known settlement. These piles, found at varying depths, show how the community successfully adapted to changing water levels over nearly six centuries. Divers, working in challenging cold and low-visibility conditions, used suction hoses to remove dense clay, which revealed buried archaeological layers. The most stunning finds were over 25 bronze objects, preserved in exceptional condition by the upper layer of clay, which prevented the metals from oxidizing. These items—including socketed axes, spearheads, fibulae (brooches), rings, a pin, and a sickle—still retain their metallic luster. A unique item is a pierced bronze disk featuring a solar symbol. The presence of bronze ingot fragments suggests the community was also engaged in metallurgical activity.
Researchers observed that artifacts and wooden piles extend across at least a quarter of the lake in a continuous, concentric pattern, suggesting consistent habitation rather than isolated clusters of dwellings. In more accessible areas, metal detectors were used to locate buried items and protect them from potential looting. Restorers worked quickly to stabilize and preserve the newly recovered objects. Future excavation phases will focus on thoroughly mapping the remaining wooden structures and conducting strategic digging to understand how the layers of ceramic and metal materials align with the different depth zones of the settlement. These efforts will continue to shed light on daily life in this ancient Bronze Age community.
Underwater Treasure Trove: Well-Preserved Bronze Age Village Discovered in Italian Lake
