Discovering the Etruscan archaeological sites of Northern Lazio
For a number of centuries the ‘mysterious Etruscans’ thrived in Italy, founding a total of 12 cities between Florence and Rome. It was only when the once humble village of Rome was transformed into the empire-building hub it became, that the Etruscans were defeated and were almost wiped out of history.
However, ‘almost’ is the operative word and it has only been since the 19th century that the full extent of this remarkable civilisation has truly been brought to life. With a great presence in northern Lazio, this region of Italy boasts many clues of the Etruscans’ existence.
Tarquinia
Formerly known as Corneto, Tarquinia is an ancient city in Lazio, approximately 90 kilometres to the northwest of Rome. The UNESCO site of Necropoli dei Monterozzi, which was part of this once flourishing Etruscan town, is an incredible example of what life was like for this ancient civilisation. The site contains painted tombs and depictions of the Etruscans’ journey to the next world.
The Etruscan museum in Tarquinia
Housed in the fabulous Palazzo Vitelleschi of the 15th century, Tarquinia is also home to what has been described as being possibly the best Etruscan museum in the whole of Italy. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of jewellery, pottery and carved sarcophagi, providing insight into just how prosperous Tarquinia came under the Etruscan rule in 7 and 6BC.
Orvieto
Orvieto is known primarily for its delicious white wine cultivated on the vast plains of this stunning wine region. However, Orvieto has another ‘claim to fame’ – it was a leading hub of Etruscan civilisation until being destroyed by the Romans in 264BC.
Fortunately, remnants of this Etruscan stronghold still remain in Orvieto, including inscriptions in the necropolis, written above the doorways of the tombs.
Pottery and other artefacts were also found in Orvieto, most of which are on display in the two archaeological museums in the town.
If you yearn to discover an Etruscan journey and learn about the fascinating ancient civilisation that was nearly void of the history books, then you certainly won’t be disappointed in the beautiful Italian region of northern Lazio.