The ongoing trash crisis in Naples has generated an increasing number of illegal dumps in the area. Police investigating an unauthorized dumping ground had a surprise when they found an ancient Roman mausoleum buried under toxic waste.
When police arrived, they cleared away the top level of trash only to discover a tunnel leading to a large mausoleum.
The 2nd-century AD tomb has excited archeologists in nearby Cuma.
The burial chamber features a large stucco work and ancient Roman decorations.
The man who owns the dump site, as well as the man who leased the property, have both been charged with crimes against Italy’s cultural heritage.
