Hypogeum of the Volumnus family, Etruscan tomb in Ponte San Giovanni, Italy
The Hypogeum of the Volumnus family is an underground burial complex in Ponte San Giovanni with ten interconnected chambers reached by a descending staircase. Stone urns and carved portraits fill the rooms, reflecting the wealth and status this Etruscan family held in their time.
The tomb was built in the third century BC and continued to receive burials until the first century BC, serving multiple generations of the family. This span reveals how long-established Etruscan families maintained their ancestral burial places across centuries.
The tomb displays carved figures of family members dressed in traditional Etruscan clothing, positioned as they wanted to be remembered. These carvings reveal how the wealthy saw themselves and their place in society.
The entrance requires descending a steep staircase into the underground chambers, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven stone steps. Check ahead before visiting, as access times can be limited depending on the season and site conditions.
The main urn belonged to Arunte Volumnio and displays him in a reclining pose surrounded by stone guardian figures representing his ancestors. These ancestor-guardian sculptures are rare surviving examples from the wealthiest Etruscan families and offer a glimpse into their spiritual beliefs.
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