The structure was first discovered by a group of scientists from the United States and a local archaeological park, underground in the volcanic rocks on which the city of Orvieto (Italy) was built. During excavations, David George of St. Anselm's College (USA) and Claudio Bizzarri of the local archaeological park noticed that the walls were sloping, suggesting a pyramidal shape.
During the excavations, several layers of different times were passed. After passing through the mid-20th century layer, archaeologists reached the medieval floor. Immediately below it, they came across a layer filled with Attic red-figure pottery from the mid-5th century BC. e. and Etruscan pottery with inscriptions of the 6th-5th centuries BC. e. Further, a layer of material was discovered with which the builders deliberately covered the lower levels, where the stairs carved into the wall go. Perhaps in the tombs? At a depth of about three meters, a tunnel was found leading to another pyramid-shaped structure.
In the 5th century BC. e. the Etruscan civilization, which reached heights in astrology, art, agriculture, metalworking, etc., could not withstand the onslaught of the Romans who had gained strength and gradually fell into decay.
Perhaps the pyramids of Orvieto will slightly open the veil of secrecy. Archaeologists believe that there are at least five such structures under the city.
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Experts point out that the pyramidal shape of the buildings carved into stone was most likely inspired by the natural shape of local underground caves.