Archaeologists in southern Italy have uncovered remarkable artifacts in an ancient Greek sanctuary recently identified within the Pertosa-Auletta Caves, as well as rare objects from a Bronze Age underground dwelling, offering new insights into ritual practices, daily life, and religious activity in the region across multiple historical periods. The findings confirm that the caves served as both a domestic and a sacred space for thousands of years.
Located in Salerno province, the Pertosa-Auletta Caves -- also known as the Grotte dell'Angelo -- stretch nearly 2,500 meters and contain Italy's only navigable underground river. The site, which has been occupied for over 8,000 years, remains one of the most significant archaeological locations in the Campania region.
During the 2025 excavation season, archaeologists uncovered an ancient Greek religious structure dating between the 4th and 1st centuries BCE. Built along the subterranean river, the sanctuary contained numerous ritual offerings, including sculpted figurines, terracotta ornaments, coins, incense burners, unguent vessels, and traces of burned plants.
Experts say the artifacts suggest ritual practices linked to water or fertility, traditions common across southern Italy during the period of Greek colonization, when Greek culture heavily influenced local communities. Their placement beside the flowing river indicates ceremonies tied to natural elements, consistent with worship patterns seen in sanctuaries throughout Magna Graecia.
Among the standout finds were a large amber fragment and a terracotta female head. Researchers believe these objects may have been part of fertility or purification rituals, emphasizing how water and nature shaped ancient religious life.
In addition to the cult structure, archaeologists continued exploring a prehistoric settlement previously identified in the same cave system. The Bronze Age pile dwelling, dating to the 2nd millennium BCE, is the only known example in Europe built entirely underground.
Recent excavations uncovered new sections of the dwelling and a rare Bronze Age chisel with its original wooden handle still attached. Archaeologists credit the cave's steady humidity for preserving such fragile organic materials, which would normally have decayed long ago. The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and daily life of prehistoric builders.
Wood samples taken from the structure are now undergoing laboratory testing to reveal construction techniques and environmental conditions from more than 3,000 years ago. The analysis may provide insights into the vegetation, tools, and technology of Bronze Age communities that once inhabited the region.
The discoveries at Pertosa-Auletta highlight the cave's unique role as both a place of living and worship. Together, the Hellenistic cult structure and Bronze Age dwelling reveal how people across different eras adapted to and revered the underground landscape of southern Italy.