Archaeologists Discover Ancient Goddess Figurine with Maker’s Handprints in Italian Lake

In central Italy's volcanic Lake Bolsena, archaeologists have discovered a 3,000-year-old clay figurine believed to depict an ancient goddess. This poorly-crafted votive figurine, still bearing the visible handprints of its maker and traces of fabric suggesting it was once clothed, is thought to have been used in domestic rituals.

Government archaeologists and police divers made the discovery at the submerged site of Gran Carro, - a locale speculated to be the remnants of an Iron Age village that sank due to seismic activity of the underlying Vulsini volcano. The village, built in the 10th or ninth century BC, has produced thousands of artifacts since the 1960s, including household items, jewelry, and pottery. Gran Carro’s unique geological and historical context has placed it within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to create an underwater path for visitors.

The figurine, spanning roughly six inches, was recovered from the ruins of a residence, mirroring other ritualistic finds and hinting at practices stretching back to prehistoric times. Facebook statements from the archaeologists herald the find as an unparalleled glimpse into daily life of southern Etruria in the early Iron Age.

Meanwhile, ongoing research into the enigmatic Aiola — a pile of stones linked to geothermal springs and dating back to both the Iron Age and late Roman era — continues to unveil the multifaceted history of the Gran Carro area. Explorations in 1991 and subsequent studies in 2020, reinforced by historical finds including Roman Emperor Constantine's era coins, affirm Aiola’s significance over centuries. The discovery of the unfinished figurine adds yet another layer to understanding life in early Italy and the enduring cultural weight of these sacred sites.

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