Ancient Roman tomb discovered intact

Work on an aqueduct on the outskirts of Rome has turned up an ancient tomb believed to have lain untouched for millennia. The burial site has been named the 'Tomb of the Athlete' because of a distinctive finding amongst the other funeral offerings: alongside the remains of four people, archaeologists discovered two strigils, a type of metal hook that Ancient Romans used to scrape off sweat and dirt.

Dating from the 4th century BC, the tomb came to light during excavations to extend an aqueduct.

Other items buried alongside the three men and one woman inside include plates, jugs, fragments of pottery and a bronze coin, stamped on one side with the goddess of wisdom, Minerva, and on the other with a horse's head and the word: "ROMANO".