Long-term monitoring of the hypogeal Etruscan Tomba degli Scudi, Tarquinia, Italy. Early detection of black spots, investigation of fungal community, and evaluation of their biodeterioration potential

A multi-analytical investigation of the Tomba degli Scudi in Tarquinia, Italy, identified common subterranean fungal strains—such as Gliomastix murorum and Pseudogymnoascus pannorum—as responsible for expanding black spots on its ancient Etruscan mural paintings. These fungi, found globally in similar environments like Lascaux Cave, pose a biodeterioration risk to the site's priceless artistic heritage. Long-term monitoring since 2016 enabled early detection and assessment of their harmful potential, demonstrating the efficacy of preventive conservation strategies for fragile hypogeal sites.

Kratter, M., Beccaccioli, M., Vassallo, Y., Benedetti, F., La Penna, G., Proietti, A., Zanellato, G., Faino, L., Cirigliano, A., Neisje de Kruif, F., Tomassetti, M. C., Rossi, M., Reverberi, M., Quagliariello, A., & Rinaldi, T. (2024). Long-term monitoring of the hypogeal Etruscan Tomba degli Scudi, Tarquinia, Italy. Early detection of black spots, investigation of fungal community, and evaluation of their biodeterioration potential. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 135(10). https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxae258