The Lovers of Valdaro, also known as the Valdaro Lovers, are two 6,000-year-old skeletons discovered in 2007 in a Neolithic tomb near Valdaro in Mantua, Italy. Their name is derived from the fact that they appear to be locked in a kiss. The burial was discovered during the Neolithic period, which lasted from 10,000 to 4,500 BCE.
This burial is notable because it was the only double burial discovered among the thirty graves excavated.
In general, double burials were extremely rare during the Neolithic period. The Valdaro Lovers are only two of a few similar burials discovered. One of the few that come to mind is the Alepotrypa Cave in Greece.
There is no evidence of a Neolithic settlement nearby, but the region had many small waterways along with the River Po, making it ideal for fishing, hunting, and agriculture.
Many people believe that the region was home to a large, well-developed community.
Scientists believe the couple died when they were about 5’2″ (157 cm) tall and around 20 years old. Despite their youth, the couple appeared to have died naturally.
Nothing indicates that they died violently. Their bones are mostly undamaged and show no signs of significant trauma.
Several flint tools and blades were buried with them, most likely grave goods or possessions buried with them before they died.
Aside from this, we don’t know much about the two lovers. In general, archaeological sites are difficult to excavate and even more difficult to learn from. Carbon dating and DNA testing are time-consuming, and the couple is locked in a permanent embrace, making things even more difficult.
Because of the uniqueness of this burial, head archaeologist Elena Maria Menotti decided not to separate the skeletons. Instead, the team carefully excavated the two lovers as a single block of earth and transported them to the Musei Civici in Como in a wooden box.
The two skeletons have been put on display in Mantua’s Archaeological Museum since 2011.
