While investigating a cemetery dating back over 2,000 years in the Campania region of southern Italy, archaeologists have discovered a particularly lavish and mysterious tomb.

According to Heritage Daily, the mysterious tomb is exceptionally well preserved and was discovered by accident while archaeologists were searching for an ancient wall that defines the boundary of the cemetery in Flegreo Domitiana, an area with a dense burial density.

The strange tomb was found with a large stone slab blocking the entrance, leading to a room with well-preserved frescoes on the ceiling and walls.

=The main fresco depicts the central figure, the evil god Cerberus, who guards the underworld – Photo: ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURE

The most notable fresco depicts Cerberus, the three-headed dog in Greek mythology. Also known as the “hound of Hades,” it was tasked with guarding the gates of the underworld to prevent the dead from leaving.

The fresco depicts Cerberus’ final moments, when he was captured by Heracles. It was also the last of the 12 labors of the mythological demigod Heracles.

The details inside have led to the tomb being designated as the “Tomb of Cerberus.” However, human remains were still inside.

The mysterious deceased believed to be related to Cerberus was lying on a funeral bed surrounded by rich burial objects, next to an altar with wine vessels.

According to a press release from the Director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of the Naples Metropolitan Region, this mysterious tomb is an unprecedented discovery in the region.

Researchers are also examining another detailed fresco depicting mythological scenes of ichthyocentaurs, a sea creature with the upper body of a human, the lower body of a horse in the front – including the two forelimbs – and the rear half of a fish’s tail.

The second fresco also raises curiosity – Photo: ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURE

Who the person in the tomb is, and why the frescoes depict him as being associated with Cerberus, remains a mystery.