Etruscans in Bettona

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Etruscans in Bettona

Etruscans in Bettona

Treasures on display

… “It was the Etruscans who, long before Rome, at the moment of the transition between prehistory and history, built in the heart of Italy a high civilization, laying the foundations of the future rise of Europe. It was the Etruscans who, partaking of the legacy of the ancient East with its advanced civilization, transferred it to the soil of Western Europe.”
Werner Keller

THE ETRUSCAN TOMB

The Tomb in the locality of Colle

The main archaeological evidence in Bettona is the barrel-vaulted tomb in loc. Hill, not far from the modern settlement. The tomb is built entirely of local sandstone; the walls are lined with a double face of perfectly squared blocks committed dry. Five rows are preserved of the original outer covering.

The trousseau

Fine goldsmithing and precious stones

Wealth is a hallmark of Etruscan society. Aristocracies between the second half of the eighth and sixth centuries BCE displayed opulence to legitimize their social role. Goldsmiths in particular have been given this predominant function.

BRONZE STATUES AND HISTORICAL SOURCES

Archaeological excavations

The town of Bettona stands on the site of an ancient Etruscan outpost located to the left of the Tiber, similar to the towns of Arna and Todi. The practice of placing small bronze statues in sacred contexts was widespread among the Etruscans, Umbrians and Sabines. The votive bronzes are part of the Bellucci collection. Their characteristics indicate that they belong to a votive deposit associated with a single place of worship. The type of statuettes is typical of southern Umbria and reflects an agricultural and pastoral society. They date from between the 5th and 4th centuries BC.

VOISIUS

The inscription on the Voisius funerary plaque, a noble family of Umbrian origin, is attested on brick stamps from Bettona and the surroundings of Assisi. The inscription, probably made with an awl, attests to the passage of Etruscan society under Roman control, certified by the use of Latin.

Plan your visit

Schools, families, groups

The Museum organizes guided tours for groups, personalized and thematic visits, educational workshops and offers family-friendly solutions.

Please contact directly ti.oesumametsisobfsctd-6ffea1@anotteb