View of the Roman theater at Volterra. Jean-Christophe Benoist, Wikimedia Commons
Posted on 04/12/2014 12:19:31 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Known as Vada Volaterrana, it has been identified as a key port system located in present-day Tuscany, Italy, used anciently by the Romans of the city of Volaterrae (today's Volterra) for the import and export of trade goods throughout the Mediterranean. The main harbor was located north of the mouth of the Cecina river, at S. Gaetano di Vada...
The ancient city of Volterra, or Volaterrae, which was served by the Vada Volaterrana port system, was first settled by the Etruscans in the 8th century B.C.E. During the succeeding centuries the village had developed into a major city with power over a vast territory, rich in mineral resources and salines. Tombs excavated in the area revealed the existence of a wealthy Etruscan aristocracy, with the means to acquire bronze and ceramic objects from the cities of Southern Etruria, and from Greece. During the 3rd century, B.C.E, the city was absorbed under the rule of Rome. Eventually, some of the members of the Volterran aristocracy became Roman senators, injecting influence into the affairs of an expanding Roman Empire. The city features an ancient Roman theater and thermal baths and houses, which have been the subject of previous archaeological investigations.
The most recent excavations of the port system commercial facilities in 2013 revealed the remains of a rectangular structure with thick (90 cm) walls. Three rooms have thus far been identified, with a northern-most room exhibiting a semi-circular apse-like feature, tentatively interpreted as a possible small shrine. Within the same excavation area archaeologists have unearthed some remains of a Late Antiquity (fifth-sixth century C.E.) necropolis, where they found two burials featuring bodies that were interred using large re-used amphorae. Not uncommon, it is a burial type called enchytrismós...
(Excerpt) Read more at popular-archaeology.com ...
View of the Roman theater at Volterra. Jean-Christophe Benoist, Wikimedia Commons
Remarkable how consistent and standardized the Roman architecture and city planning is. Ostia Antica and Portus look the same.
Volterra is a beautiful walled city on a hilltop in northern Tuscany with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. It has a gate which dates back to Etruscan times and a museum which has one of the largest collections of Etruscan artefacts anywhere including some of the items which are commonly illustrated in books about the Etruscans. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in that part of Italy.
” ... used anciently by the Romans ...”
What idiot wrote this?
As an editor, I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I saw this brand new adverb. Anciently? It was used ANCIENTLY?
God help us.
LOL! Thanks. I confess that I am grateful to hear that I’m not alone.
It’s a good thing it wasn’t printed(?) in text-speak or knuckle-dragging simians and old fogies like us would not be able to read it.
P.S. Linky no worky.
“Remarkable how consistent and standardized the Roman architecture and city planning is. Ostia Antica and Portus look the same.”
Except the article states this is Etruscan, which pre-dated Rome.
Pretty amazing, however it developed, Hot and cold running water, aquaducts, coliseums and ampitheaters.
Plus a healthy Mediterranean diet of seafood, fruits and vegetables, oils and wines.
And not the least, Italian women!! Add wireless internet and internal combustion engines, and we have it made!!
You and me both.
It’s my understanding that the Romans acquired Etruscan culture, but my larger point is that form follows function. It’s so natural to build on a pre-established site, no?
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