Cosmic Rays Reveal Mystery Chamber From Ancient Greece

A muography scan led researchers in Italy to an isolated room that may be a long-lost burial chamber.

By Matt Hrodey
May 9, 2023 8:30 PM
Tomb
Researchers analyzed a necropolis in Naples, Italy. (Credit: artin1/Shutterstock)

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A sophisticated “muographic” scan of a well-trod Ancient Greek necropolis, a network of tombs, revealed a puzzling new area that could be a cramped burial chamber. But the researchers can’t confirm as no passage or stairway leads to the strange area.

Hidden under a busy area of Naples, Italy, the necropolis features beautiful fresco paintings and other monuments installed by wealthy Hellenic families between 600 and 200 B.C. At this time, the Greek city of Neapolis (“new city”) thrived above ground and built many buildings and an aqueduct system.

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