The Etruscans were the first people to settle the Maremma in southern Tuscany. Their civilisation lasted from about 800BC until they were assimilated into the Roman Republic in the late 4th century BC. The name Tuscany comes from the Roman name for the Etruscans.
In southern Tuscany the Etruscans buried their dead in careful constructed tombs. Much of what we know about their lives comes from funereal remains. Many of their ancient sites have been excavated over the years.
While we were at the magnificent Rocca di Frassinello we were taken to 3 Etruscan tombs that have been uncovered on the property.
Our handsome guide, Simone, took us to the sites. Before being uncovered they would have just looked like mounds of dirt. It must have been exciting when the digging unearthed well preserved tombs, each one different.
The tombs have an entrance along a tunnel and inside there is a ledge where the body was put. A lot of work has gone into each one. I imagine these were for the more wealthy members of the community.
On the 30th May 2015 a museum will be opened at Rocca di Frassinello to display the findings. There will be an exhibit area in the winery to show how the Etruscans went about their daily lives and to see some of their unearthed possessions.
A Stamnos, a large pottery jar for carrying wine, was found during the excavations by the University of Florence and Tuscany’s office for Archeological Heritage. I’m sure the owners of the winery were delighted to discover that wine was being made on the site thousands of ears ago.
There will be guided tours to see the tombs as well. We feel very lucky to have been able to get a preview. Thank you Simone and the team at Rocca di Frassinello and Cala del Porto for organising our tour.
Rocca di Frassinello…www.castellare.it
Cala del Porto…www.baglionihotels.com/CaladelPorto