ETRUSCANS OF CORTONA

 This past Sunday was the official opening of the Tumulo II at Sodo which is near Cortona.  These are burial grounds of the Etruscans who lived in the area between the 7th and 4th century B.C..  It is believed that they lived where Cortona is now.  Many artifacts proving their existence are found well beneath the city of Cortona.  The Etruscans buried their dead under mounds(melone) away from the city and usually in nearby valleys mostly for health reasons.  The existence of these tombs have been known since 1929.  Only until recently have they been archaeologically dug.  The picture on the right is the entrance to Tomb II.  This has been reconstructed with the original blocks and stones that have been found there.  Because of the artifacts found in the tomb it is believed that this was the tomb of royalty.  Gold, urns, necklaces and the like have been found there and are now in the museum in Cortona and Florence.

Here are more pictures of the tomb. I am not sure if you can enlarge the picture to see it better.  Basically the sign tells us the this stairway leads to a terrace that was most likely a shrine where ceremonies were performed.  If you have more interest in this fascinating site from over 2000 years ago go to this website:  www.cortonaweb.net.  Arrow all the way to the bottom of the page and under museums click on archaeological park.  There is a lot of information there.  Or better yet, get on a plane, fly here to IL MOLINO  and go see it in person.  You won't be sorry.

Here is a better picture of the entrance to Tomb II.  You can see the detail of the staircase in this picture.  Remember this was originally constructed over 2000 years ago.  A roof was built over it to protect it from the elements.  As you can see it is still under re-construction.  You can't walk down to the stairs, but you can get close enough to get some pictures.  If you walk around the other side you will find more tombs .  This is were the "common people" were entombed. You can walk into those tombs. I have some pictures below taken inside the tomb.

Here is an aerial view of the project.  It was a massive undertaking.  A river that at one time was navigable with small boats  had to be diverted.  The bell shaped area at the top of the picture is the diverted river.  You can see the mound (meloni) in the middle that contains the tombs. 

Brenda walking into Tomb I.  Not bad for a person who is claustrophobic

Inside one of the tombs

Some of the crowd at the dedication ceremony

 

 

Stay tuned for more.  I really hope some of you can make it here to Tuscany.  It is a beautiful place, the people are great, and the food is the best I have ever tasted, not to mention the rich history of the area. If you come you must stay at IL MOLINO DI BORDONE if you really want the flavor of of a true Italian experience.  It is in the country but so close to most things you would want to see.