Orvieto wakes up to an Etruscan treasure
The medieval town of Orvieto, overlooking a valley filled with vineyards and fields, was recently shaken out of its tranquility by an archaeological discovery that had scholars and historians agog. The Etruscan sanctuary known as Fanum Voltumnae that scholars and historians have been seeking to find for over 500 years was unearthed at a site referred to as Campo della Fiera just below Orvieto.
Better known for its olives and wine, every year Orvieto welcomes fifty students from Macerata and other universities in Italy and elsewhere, some from as far away as America, Spain, and Mexico to help in the excavation on the ancient site. Finally, six years of hard work by a team of archaeologists and volunteers has paid off.
The Fanum Voltumnae has been referred to as far back as the sixteenth century by scholar Annio da Viterbo in Historia Antiqua. Fanum means sacred area and Voltumna refers to the Etruscan god of the earth who was also the protector of the Etruscans. The Etruscans ruled Northern Italy, including Rome, from 616-509 B.C and Fanum Voltumnae was an important center where chiefs from the 12 Etruscan cities would gather for a council. From as far away as Rome, traders and people would flock to partake of the festivities that would take place. The fair that was held there attracted people from all stations of life – soldiers, priests, traders, pilgrims and thousands of others.
The dig was sponsored by Monte dei Paschi Siena and Mps Asset Management Sgr. Lecturer in Etruscology and Italic archaeology at the university of Macerata Simonetta Stopponi who is directing the excavations says that it correlates to the ancient site whether it be size of the area, the temple and the sacred area, the wells, fountains and its antiquity which has been confirmed by bronze pieces and shards of delicate Attic pottery found at the site. Two roads that passed through have further helped to confirm that the site was indeed the ancient Fanum Voltumnae. One is 5 meters wide and passes in front of the temple and the other that is 7 meters wide was a sacred path that led up the hill to Orivieto. An inscription that is yet to be found will set the stamp of authenticity on the find.
Other attractions that Orvieto is known for are the Etruscan caves and a cathedral.
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