Finding new evidence of our past allows us to shed light on cultures and traditions that are now very distant from us: the recent discovery that took place at the Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo, in the province of Orvieto, is really interesting from this point of view. Archaeologists have in fact found some ancient finds of the Etruscan civilization, which represent a heritage of immense value.
The Etruscan finds come to light
In a completely unexpected way, a very precious treasure has re-emerged from underground. A team of experts, under the guidance of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Umbria together with the Regional Directorate of Museums of Umbria, was in fact working on a project for the recovery and enhancement of the site, promoted by the Municipality of Orvieto, when stumbled upon something amazing. The operations, currently still in progress, aim to recover part of the Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo to make it accessible to the public.
During the restoration of a tomb in the south-west area of the necropolis, archaeologists have found new artifacts belonging to the Etruscan civilization. It consists of a dozen ancient relics, including pieces of iron goblets and some buccheri – black, shiny and very thin ceramics used in making vases, usually used to contain wine. These objects would date back to 500 BC, and would be all that remains of the serious looting that the necropolis underwent towards the beginning of the 19th century, especially in the area where the discovery took place.
“Evidence of life over 2,500 years ago continues to emerge from the past of this city. An archaeological heritage that we want to enhance through the interventions that are being carried out at the Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo, but which will also affect the excavations of Campo della Fiera, of which we recently approved the executive project, also financed with 200 thousand euros from the Strategy of Internal Areas” – declared Roberta Tardani, mayor of Orvieto and councilor for culture.
The Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo
Located just outside the city of Orvieto, the Necropolis of Crocifisso del Tufo is a precious archaeological site dating back to Etruscan times. Its decidedly particular name derives from a crucifix engraved in the tuff found inside a rock chapel, which can still be visited today. The site houses over 200 chamber tombs with a rectangular plan, of homogeneous dimensions and arranged in a rather orderly manner. They are made of blocks of tuff and closed with slabs of the same material, while the name of the deceased and his family are engraved on the architrave.
Much of the story of those buried there is told by the artifacts that have been found within the tombs. The bodies, in fact, were accompanied by a funeral outfit made up of bronze and terracotta objects, but also iron tools and spears, in the case of male bodies, or decorations in precious metals, in the burials of females. Unfortunately, many of these finds have not come down to us. Partly because of the raids of past centuries, partly because the excavations, initially carried out in a disorderly manner, led to the dispersion of the relics both in the rest of Europe and even in America.
