Cosmic ray study finds ancient Greek burial chamber in Italy

·

A recent study has discovered a 2500-year-old ancient Greek city ten metres below the current street level in Naples, Italy. 

Remains of the ancient city of Neapolis were discovered by installing detectors underground that were able to capture radiographic images. 

The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, observed known structures in the ancient city, as well as new structures such as a hidden, inaccessible burial chamber.

Fragments of Ancient Greek burial chambers. Image: Scientific Reports.

Researchers who participated in the study were aware of the Greek burials but were unable to access them until they used cosmic rays in a research technique known as “muography.” 

According to Smithsonian Mag, Ancient Neapolis was a necropolis where Greeks built grand family tombs that grew into a town with paths and roads in “a city of the dead.”

A series of natural disasters led to the burial of the necropolis, which now sits below the bustling city of Naples in Italy.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Archbishop Makarios urges unity and inner faith in Easter encyclical

In his Paschal Encyclical for 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivers message of hope, reflection and spiritual clarity.

Panagiotis Tzortzatos heroics seal Greece win over Spain in water polo World Cup

Greece defeated Spain 15-13 on penalties (11-11) in men’s water polo to close the World Cup qualifying tournament in Alexandroupolis.

Nick Thyssen (Theodosiadis) OAM: The giant is gone, his legacy remains

On the day of Orthodox Easter, the venerable husband, family man, businessman and philanthropist, Nikolaos Thyssen (Theodosiadis) OAM, died.

Greece secure Billie Jean King Cup promotion with Sakkari and Papamichael wins

Greece’s women’s tennis team has advanced in the Billie Jean King Cup after Maria Sakkari and Despina Papamichael sealed a 2-0 victory.

Greek PM Mitsotakis marks Easter in Crete as traditions celebrated nationwide

Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the Resurrection Service on Holy Saturday at the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist in Korakies.

You May Also Like

NSW announce plans to phase out stamp duty as state records $16 billion budget deficit

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet will undertake the state’s biggest tax reform in decades with stamp duty to be phased out to boost the economy as NSW records a historic $16 billion budget deficit.

Greece claims historic bronze in Men’s Water Polo World Championships

Just a day after the Greek women’s team won gold in Singapore, the men’s team secured bronze at the World Water Polo Championships.

Greece confirms exploratory talks with Turkey will be held on March 16 in Athens

The next round of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey will be held on March 16 in Athens, the Greek Foreign Ministry said.