How about stepping back in time to the Punic era right here in Palermo? We are standing above the Necropoli punica. This Punic Necropolis of Palermo is a window into the ancient world. It shows us the burial grounds of the Phoenician-Punic civilization.
The Necropoli punica lies in the western part of Palermo. Specifically the area that can be visited is located under the Tukory barracks. Imagine this area long ago. It was outside the city walls. It was a natural extension of land formed by the Kemonia and Papireto rivers.
Since 1746 over seven hundred tombs have been unearthed here. The first discoveries occurred during the construction of the poor man’s inn. A significant excavation took place between February and June 2004. During this excavation about 150 burials were found. These burials were extensively distributed under the Tukory barracks.
This Necropoli punica spans from the end of the 7th to the beginning of the 3rd century BC. The tombs here are of different types. There are hypogeic chamber tombs. These are underground rooms accessed by a staircase. There are also burials in lithic sarcophagi. These are stone coffins. Some bodies were placed directly into the earth. These are called earth pit depositions.
Palermo was an important city for the Carthaginians. It was the most important city of the Carthaginian eparchy. It was also the third city-port along with Solunto and Mozia. The Phoenicians founded it in the 7th century BC. Later the Romans conquered it during the First Punic War.
Inside the tombs archeologists discovered many items. These included pottery made locally and imported from Greece and Etruria. Jewelry made of silver and bronze was also found. Amulets weapons and large jars were also unearthed. These jars likely contained food and drinks for the afterlife.
The burials at the Necropoli punica are mostly inhumations where the body is buried. However some cremations have also been found. The sarcophagi were carved from limestone. They were covered with terracotta tiles or limestone slabs. Chamber tombs feature a staircase leading to a small underground room. This room held the sarcophagus and the deceased’s personal items. These items were usually covered with clay or stone slabs.
The Necropoli punica is a reminder of Palermo’s rich history. It confirms that Palermo was the most important city of the Carthaginian eparchy. It offers a tangible link to the Phoenician-Punic Empire. This empire once dominated the Mediterranean. The Necropoli punica invites us to reflect on life death and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations.