Exclusive : In Photos : Ancient Etruscan Prince Emerges From Tomb

italian archaeologists have unearthed a 2,600-year-old intact Etruscan tomb that promises to reveal new depths of one of the ancient world’s most fascinating and mysterious cultures

The unique burial was found in Tarquinia, a hill town about 50 miles northwest of Rome famous for its Etruscan art treasures. The tomb was just a few feet away from the so-called Queen's Tomb, pictured here

Blocked by a perfectly sealed stone slab, the rock-cut tomb in appeared promising even before opening it, just by dint of its location next to known royal tombs

After 2,600 years, the heavy stone slab in front of the tomb was removed

The archaeologists were left breathless by what they found inside

In the small vaulted chamber, the complete skeleton of an individual was resting on a stone bed on the left. A spear lay along the body, while brooches, on the chest indicated that the man was probably once dressed with a mantle.

At his feet stood a dish used during the funeral meal. Food remains were still there, after 2,600 years

Near the dish with the food remains stood a large bronze basin, possibly used to wash the hands after the meal

A stone table directly across from the man might contain the incinerated remains of another person

Decorated with a red strip, the upper part of the wall featured, along with several nails, a small hanging vase, which might have contained some ointment

A number of grave goods, which included large Greek Corinthian vases and precious ornaments, lay on the floor

According to Mandolesi, the fact that the newly discovered burial lies a few feet away from the Queen’s Tomb indicates that it belonged to one of the princes of Tarquinia, someone strictly related to the owners of the Queen’s Tomb. A rare find indeed