The English Connection: an Etruscan tomb in Tuscany

ATG trips: Unknown Tuscany (Journeys), Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto (Footloose)

In 1843 Ainsley and Dennis, two English archaeologists hunting for Etruscan antiquities, which were little understood at that time, passed through the village of Sovana and asked if there were any Etruscan monuments in the area. They were assured that there were none, but when a local guide then brought them to this tomb they could scarcely contain their excitement. 'Oh, if that's what you want, we've got plenty of those round here', commented the phlegmatic guide... Indeed, the valley turned out to be one of the finest of all the Etruscan necropolis sites.

The tomb dates from the 3rd to 2nd centuries B.C. and is remarkable for the relief carving of a Scylla or mermaid figure between two winged male figures, over a classical frieze. Originally, the tomb would have been guarded by two figures; Vanth, the Etruscan god of the underworld, and another, in this case too damaged to be identified, which for too long has been relegated to a museum in Grosseto. In cooperation with the Arhcaeological Department of Tuscany, we have cleared the area around the tomb, the rock face has been pinned to prevent further erosion, and a replica cast in resin of the missing sculpture has been installed to recreate some semblance of what it looked like when first discovered.

We feel it is particularly appropriate that present-day British visitors should contribute to the conservation and survival of this tomb, which was brought to the world's attention over 160 years ago by those two british explorers.

Project completed 2005