Longeriaco - Longobard Tomb

In 1982, a Longobard burial was discovered, pertaining to a noble knight buried on the hill of Loneriaco in the second half of the 7th century. The tomb was lined with sandstone slabs covered with larger stone slabs. Inside, there were a few remnants of the knight's skeletal structure and some items from the burial goods, including: two iron spurs adorned with precious silver and copper decorations; two fragments of bronze buckles that fastened the spurs to the foot; two bronze buckles, possibly from the belt that suspended the spatha (sword) and/or the scramasax (long dagger); two silver decorations, known as tabs, placed to finish the end of the belt; an iron knife with remains of a bronze and wood handle; a nearly 30-centimetre-long bone comb decorated with engraved geometric patterns. The most interesting object is the gold signet ring, a jewel generally formed by the band with a circular effigy depicting a human bust (of the king or duke) inscribed with the name of the ring's wearer. Sometimes, a gold coin, in this case, a gold solidus of Constantine IV, was inserted into the bezel. The ring was worn by high dignitaries of the Longobard kingdom; only a few examples are known, one of which features the effigy of a noblewoman.
The discovery revealed the presence of a Longobard settlement along the route connecting Longobard strongholds and Alpine villages.