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Rome (AP) - In the sunken city of Pompeii in southern Italy, archaeologists have excavated a unique triumphal chariot from ancient times.

The four-wheeled iron vehicle is practically intact, the archaeological park announced on Saturday.

The experts made the find in the Villa Civita Giuliana in the north of the ancient city.

On the side it is adorned with decorations made of tin and bronze, which show men and women in erotic scenes.

According to the researchers, this find is unique in Italy.

According to initial findings, the car was used by the Roman elite for special occasions.

There was therefore room for one or two people on it.

The site on the area of ​​the villa had already caused a sensation in 2018 because the remains of three horses were discovered there.

Apparently not only archaeologists were aware of the value of this place, because robbers dug their way into tunnels up to the excavation site in order to plunder there, it was said.

This also caused damage.

The public prosecutor's office is investigating this case.

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Italy's Minister of Culture was delighted with the latest find.

"Pompeii continues to astonish us with its finds and so it will be for many years to come with 20 hectares still to be excavated," said Dario Franceschini on Saturday.

Most recently he caused a surprise with the appointment of the now German-Italian Gabriel Zuchtriegel as director of the archeology park.

"A young director like Zuchtriegel will enhance the commitment there," he said.

The ancient city of Pompeii lies at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano.

During eruptions in AD 79, ash, mud and lava buried the settlements and partially preserved the city.

Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century.

The archaeological site is one of the most popular sights in Italy and always contains sensational finds.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210227-99-618965 / 6

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