At Sant’Agnello the first archaeological excavation was undertaken of the eastern necropolis of ancient Surrentum, in an area situated at the crossroads between Corso Italia and Via San Martino.

The main nucleus was constituted by an enclosure of opus incertum inside which twenty-two tombs were found: eight cremations, one ustrinum, one enchytrismos and twelve inhumations in simple earth graves, graves with flat coverings and with “a cappuccina” coverings. The necropolis dated to between the 1st century B.C. and the 4th century A.D.

The excavation data indicated that the earliest phase was constituted by the installation in the area of a field of cinerary urns with grave markers.

Of note among the inhumation burials was that situated at the centre of the enclosure. Covered by an imposing tumulus, it had an “a cappuccina” cover with tiles set on a double parapet of stones and resting to the south on a large limestone block that had been intentionally shaped. Below the “a cappuccina” cover the deceased lay in a lead sarcophagus, the lid having two rings for harnessing and lifting. In this case the obol for Charon was found between the skeleton’s legs.

The sequence of the burials showed that there was a period of congestion within the enclosure, so much so that it was necessary to exploit the spaces up against its perimeter walls both on the interior and exterior. Outside the enclosure the necropolis continued to the south with “a cappuccina” tombs and bustum cremations.

To the east, outside the enclosure, twelve inhumations, one bustum and one enchytrismos emerged.