Tumulus of Montefortini, Etruscan archaeological site in Comeana, Tuscany, Italy.
The Tumulus of Montefortini is an Etruscan burial mound containing two distinct tombs built in different styles within its earthen structure. One chamber is round and centrally placed, while the other is rectangular with a large entrance hall and vaulted interior.
This burial mound was constructed in the seventh century BCE as a tomb for Etruscan nobility. Archaeologists uncovered it in 1966 and found evidence of two chambers built at different periods, revealing changing burial customs among the elite class.
The burials reveal the reach of Etruscan nobility through imported objects such as turquoise glass bowls and carved ivory pieces that were treasured possessions. These objects show how the elite buried here maintained distant trade connections and displayed their wealth through foreign goods.
The site welcomes visitors and offers guided tours on specific days, with the most significant artifacts displayed in a nearby museum for viewing. Good footwear is recommended as you will walk on uneven earth surfaces within and around the mound.
The rectangular burial chamber displays a clever ancient building method where roof slabs are arranged to create a false vault without using arches or columns. This engineering solution was advanced for its time and shows the technical skill of the builders.
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