A large processional chariot with four wheels, along with its iron components, beautiful bronze and tin decorations, mineralised wood remains and imprints of organic materials (from the ropes to the remains of floral decoration), has been discovered almost intact in the suburban villa of Civita Giuliana, beyond the walls to the north of the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy on February 2021. It represents a unique find, which has no parallel in Italy thus far, in an excellent state of preservation. It is a ceremonial chariot, probably the Pilentum referred to by some sources, which was employed not for everyday use or for agricultural transport, but to accompany community festivities, parades and processions and maybe for rituals relating to marriage, for leading the bride to her new household.The scenes on the medallions which embellish the rear of the chariot refer to Eros (Satyrs and nymphs), while the numerous studs feature erotes. It has been established that the very chariot which has now been unearthed had miraculously escaped the looting of grave robbers, despite being literally touched by the tunnels dug by the perpetrators at a depth of over 5 metres. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM