Secrets of the Ancients: The Four Etruscan Painted Tombs of Tarquinia's Museum

Buongiorno and welcome to RomeCabs, Rome’s top-rated tour company for private Italy tours from Rome, and Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia. Located just outside the city walls of Tarquinia, the Etruscan Monterozzi Necropolis is an outdoor archive where the mysterious Etruscan world can be discovered through its subterranean painted tombs dating back over 2,500 years. 

On our Mysterious Etruscans Countryside Tour from Rome or Civitavecchia, guests can see these subterranean painted tombs, immersing themselves in depictions of the ancient Etruscan civilization masterfully brought to life by ancient artists.

Beyond the numerous intricately frescoed tombs awaiting exploration within the Monterozzi Necropolis, the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia boasts an additional four preserved Etruscan-painted tombs.  Inside the museum of Tarquinia a wealth of ancient Etruscan artifacts meticulously unearthed from the Monterozzi Necropolis and beyond, await discovery.

In this blog, we'll highlight the four intriguing ancient Etruscan-painted tombs housed in the museum. These preserved painted tombs provide a captivating extension to your exploration, offering insight into Etruscan art, culture, and burial traditions.

Get ready to journey to an ancient pre-Roman epoch where art served as a language, and the tombs acted as canvases narrating stories of life, death, and the enduring legacy of a civilization lost to the sands of time.

 

How were the ancient Etruscan tomb paintings detached for preservation?

In the period spanning from 1950 to 1960, the Lerici Foundation undertook a comprehensive initiative in Tarquinia, dedicated to the exploration, excavation, and restoration of a multitude of painted tombs. This ambitious undertaking aimed to uncover and safeguard the invaluable artistic treasures hidden within the ancient necropolis.

One notable preservation technique employed during this restoration endeavor was the application of a method known as 'strappo' or detachment. This meticulous process involved carefully detaching frescoes from their original surfaces to protect them, particularly when the conditions of the tombs were less than optimal.

The 'strappo' technique played a crucial role in mitigating potential damage caused by environmental factors, ensuring the longevity and preservation of these ancient artworks.

This innovative preservation approach allowed for the delicate extraction and relocation of these frescoes, providing a means to safeguard the vibrant depictions of Etruscan life and culture that otherwise might have been susceptible to deterioration in their original settings.

 

Four Etruscan Painted Tombs of Tarquinia's Museum

 

Ascend to the second floor of the museum, where you'll arrive at a quadrangular loggia offering a breathtaking panorama of the town and surrounding countryside. Here, within a cluster of climate-controlled rooms, you'll discover the preserved and meticulously reconstructed frescoes of the four detached painted tombs.

 

Tomb of the Triclinium (Tomba del Triclinio)

Between 470 and 440 BC

 

Unearthed in 1830 in the Calvario area, the Tomb of the Triclinium is a testament to the joyous celebrations of the ancient Etruscans. Referred to as "the tomb of joy and celebrations" by G. Dennis, this historical find has been a source of fascination since its discovery.

Located in the museum, the tomb's burial chamber boasts rectangular dimensions. The back wall features a striking representation of a funeral banquet set outdoors, with three couples of guests reclining on klinai, the convivial beds. This arrangement gives the tomb its distinctive name. The foreshortened view of one couple adds a dynamic element to the artistic narrative.

Above a plinth adorned with a sea wave motif, the banquet scene unfolds with intricate details. The foreground reveals a tableau of a rooster, a cat, and a partridge beneath the low tableware, adding symbolic depth to the depiction. Musicians, dancers, cupbearers, and attendants, elegantly portrayed on the side walls, further enliven the festivities.

The detached paintings, carefully preserved since 1949, have prompted scholarly discussions. Many experts attribute the artworks to the hands of either a Greek artist or an Etruscan trained in a Greek environment. The precision of the design and the refined details align these paintings with the artistic finesse observed in Attic red-figure pottery.

The Tomb of the Triclinium stands as a remarkable testament to the cross-cultural influences and artistic sophistication of the Etruscan civilization during the 5th century BC.

 

 

Tomb of the Olympics (Tomba delle Olimpiadi)

Between 530-520 BC

 

Named by Superintendent R. Bartoccini, who believed the moniker captured the serene and joyous competitive spirit depicted on its walls, the Tomb of the Olympics is a fascinating testament to Etruscan life in the 6th century BC. The scenes painted within showcase a vibrant narrative that transcends mere funerary symbolism.

At the center of the back wall, a fake door draws the viewer’s attention, while the tympanums depict symposiums featuring pairs of men. The meticulous detailing and composition of these scenes reflect a sophisticated artistic sensibility.

On the right side wall, a large frieze illustrates funeral games including running, long jump, discus throwing, boxing, and the intriguing "Phersu" (a masked man from multiple Etruscan myths) game providing valuable insights into the sporting and competitive aspects of Etruscan culture during this era.

The left wall presents a vivid representation of a chariot race, culminating in a dramatic scene where one chariot overturns, and the charioteer is hurled into the air. This lively depiction adds an element of action and spectacle to the tomb's overall theme.

The refined and elegant paintings found in the Tomb of the Olympics suggest a potential influence by a Greek-Oriental artist as well as offer a nuanced portrayal of Etruscan life, leisure, and competitive spirit.

 

Ship Tomb (Tomba della Nave)

Mid-5th century BC

 

 

Discovered in 1958 in the Secondi Archi area, the Ship Tomb stands as a remarkable archaeological find. The paintings adorning the tomb were carefully removed in the same year as its discovery, preserving the artistic treasures within.

The tomb itself is a single rectangular room featuring a distinctive double-sloping ceiling. The back wall is adorned with a vibrant scene: four couples of banqueters recline on richly decorated klinai, served by naked cupbearers. Musicians and dancers contribute to the festive atmosphere, suggesting that the banquet unfolds outdoors, surrounded by trees.

The left wall presents a striking depiction of a sailing cargo ship with two masts, giving the tomb its name. Adjacent to it is a smaller single-masted ship, both set against a seascape enclosed by high rocks. On the right side of the scene, the tomb's owner is portrayed, attentively observing the ships. This personalized touch adds a layer of narrative depth to the artistic composition, providing a glimpse into the individual connected to the tomb.

The representation of a cargo ship and a port in the Ship Tomb contributes significantly to our understanding of Etruscan maritime activities and trade during this period. The meticulous details and unique features of this tomb underscore the richness and diversity of Etruscan artistic expression and cultural practices in the mid-5th century BC.

 

Tomb of the Bigas (Tomba delle Bighe)

490-480 BC

 

 

Renowned for its opulence, the Tomb of the Bigas (a type of two-horse chariot) stands as a testament to the grandeur of Etruscan burial practices during the late 6th century BC. The tomb's lavish finishings set it apart, featuring intricate details along its walls in the form of two distinctive friezes.

The smaller frieze, adorned with a white background, depicts funeral games—a unique representation where both Greek competitions and the typically Etruscan game of "Phersu" are showcased. At the corners of this frieze, wooden stages with canopies depict a lively audience engaged in animated conversations, witnessing the competitions unfold. Beneath the stage, servants lie down, attentively following the races.

In the larger frieze, set against a red background, a banquet scene unfolds, unfortunately, somewhat damaged over time. This depiction captures the vibrancy of a banquet, complete with dancers and musicians contributing to the festivity.

The Tomb of the Bigas, dating between 490-480 BC, not only highlights the Etruscans' penchant for elaborate burial customs but also provides a unique cultural snapshot. The inclusion of diverse competitions and banquet scenes enriches our understanding of the multifaceted nature of Etruscan life during this period. Despite the passage of time, the Bighe Tomb remains a captivating archaeological discovery, offering a glimpse into the sophistication and artistic richness of Etruscan civilization in the 5th century BC.

 

These painted tombs, carefully preserved and displayed within the museum's protective chambers, are more than artifacts—they are portals to an ancient Etruscan epoch where art served as a language, and tombs acted as canvases narrating stories of life, death, and the enduring legacy of a civilization lost to the sands of time.

As we bid farewell to Tarquinia's hidden treasures, may the echoes of Etruscan artistry continue to resonate in our minds, reminding us of the vibrant, complex tapestry of life woven by a civilization that thrived in the shadow of history.

For those eager to explore these captivating ancient tomb frescoes, join us on our Mysterious Etruscan Countryside Tour from Rome or embark on our Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia to Tarquinia and Tuscania. Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry that await, revealing the fascinating stories etched into the very fabric of Etruscan civilization.

 

 

Thank you for reading our travel blog “Secrets of the Ancients: The Four Etruscan Painted Tombs of Tarquinia's Museum” and choosing RomeCabs for your private tours in Italy.  We look forward to showing you beautiful places!

 

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