Poggio Civitate (Murlo)

Poggio Civitate in Murlo, Tuscany, is a well-preserved Etruscan community from the eighth to sixth centuries BCE, revealing growth, urbanization, ancient industrialization, and dissolution. The site contains evidence of aristocratic and non-elite domestic spaces, large-scale production systems, and the story of its destruction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Poggio Civitate, nestled in the picturesque town of Murlo, Tuscany, stands as a testament to one of the most remarkably preserved Etruscan communities spanning from the eighth to the sixth centuries BCE. In his comprehensive book, Anthony Tuck, the director of excavations, presents a sweeping synthesis of decades of invaluable data gathered at the site. The excavation results unveil a captivating narrative of growth, urbanization, ancient industrialization, and eventual dissolution. Poggio Civitate stands as a treasure trove, preserving remnants of aristocratic domestic buildings, showcasing some of the most evocative and enigmatic architectural sculptures in the region. These architectural wonders, along with the remnants of non-elite domestic spaces, provide a unique opportunity for insightful comparisons across social strata. Furthermore, the settlement boasts evidence of large-scale production systems, encompassing a wide array of tools and objects that vividly reflect the daily lives of the laborers who once inhabited it.

However, the story of Poggio Civitate does not end there. Tuck's meticulous analysis of the data reveals compelling indications that the community was methodically dismantled, leading him to propose hypotheses regarding the circumstances surrounding this violent social and political act. The excavation at Poggio Civitate continues to unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization, shedding light on the complex tapestry of human history and providing valuable insights into the development of early urban societies.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477322949