News Mania Desk/4th August 2024
Archaeologists have made a ground breaking discovery at the necropolis of Sasso Pinzuto in Tuscany, Italy. The site, which has been intermittently explored since the 1830s, has revealed the foundations of a previously unknown Etruscan cult temple. This temple, dating back approximately 2700 years, is now considered the largest of its kind ever found. The necropolis of Sasso Pinzuto is associated with the nearby Etruscan settlement on Colle San Pietro. This area comprises over 120 chamber tombs dating from the 7th century BCE to the Hellenistic period. The recent discovery was made by archaeologists from the Centre for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (CAMNES), in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II.
The oikos, or temple, has a rectangular plan that measures 6.2 by 7.1 meters and is supported by tuffaceous opus quadratum foundations. It is positioned in a commanding position with a commanding view of the surroundings, facing the Colle San Pietro access road and facing northeast. This finding is especially noteworthy since it offers concrete proof of the architectural structures linked to Etruscan cult activities, which were previously only assumed based on polychrome clay slabs discovered in the area.
These slabs, which date to the second quarter of the sixth century BCE, are adorned with molded reliefs that show Etruscan elite festivities, processions, banquets, and other celebrations. Archaeologists had previously discovered such shattered slabs stacked in ditches surrounding burial mounds, indicating that they were likely part of the design of cult structures. The significance of the discovery, University of Naples Professor Alessandro Naso said that the oikos of Sasso Pinzuto will probably serve as a model for funerary cults in other Archaic Etruscan necropolises.
The almost 1,000 square meter excavation site contains three mounds with crepidines embedded into the opus quadratum and tufa. Nine little trenches meant for cults and funerals were discovered to the north of the biggest mound, which had a diameter of more than 10 meters. Dr. Simona Carosi, an archaeological officer and area referent, emphasized the importance of this discovery for the knowledge and protection of Tasmania’s archaeological sites. The Superintendency, along with various institutions, is working hard to preserve and study these findings.
The necropolis of Sasso Pinzuto has long been a site of interest for archaeologists. Its numerous funerary offerings and pottery vessels have provided valuable insights into Etruscan culture and practices. The recent discovery of the cult temple adds a new dimension to our understanding of this ancient civilization. The Etruscan civilization peaked around 750 BCE, having arisen in central Italy circa 900 BCE, prior to the Roman Republic’s founding and subsequent change in the governmental order. With its vast burial grounds and what is currently the largest known Etruscan cult temple, the necropolis of Sasso Pinzuto provides a rare window into the social and religious customs of this mysterious culture. The discovery of the Sasso Pinzuto temple is due to the dedication and expertise of the archaeologists involved. Their work continues to shed light on the rich history of the Etruscan civilization. This find not only enhances our understanding of Etruscan religious practices but also highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological research in uncovering the secrets of the past.
