Tombe de l'archer, Etruscan tomb in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Italy.
Tombe de l'Archer is an Etruscan burial site featuring a square burial chamber connected to a western-oriented entrance corridor. The structure combines local limestone for the main walls with sandstone elements used for columns and decorative features.
The site was discovered in 1978 and dates to the 7th century BCE, a period when Etruscan culture flourished in this region. It preserves a burial monument with carved reliefs that document the funeral practices of this ancient civilization.
The site takes its name from a male figure carrying a bow shown on a stone relief, now displayed at the Giuliano Ghelli Museum. This carving reveals how the Etruscans identified their dead through objects and activities that defined their lives.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the site is situated in an outdoor setting where ground conditions vary with seasons. It is helpful to check local information beforehand to understand access routes and current site conditions.
The burial chamber has an uncommon false dome ceiling supported by a central column, an architectural feature rarely found in this region. This building method demonstrates the technical skill of the Etruscans in handling stone construction.
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