Tumulo del Principe etrusco

The Tumolo del Principe is a large burial mound approximately 30 meters (98 feet) across, ringed by upright stone slabs and paired monolithic stones. Beneath the mound lies a square burial chamber containing pottery shards, animal bones, and a ceremonially shattered iron trident.

This burial monument dates to the 7th century BC and was uncovered during archaeological excavations in 1994. It belongs to a large necropolis stretching from the via del Brennero to Barbaricina, revealing the scale of Etruscan settlement in this area.

The burial site reveals ritual practices that went beyond simple interment, showing the high status of the person commemorated in Etruscan society. The careful arrangement of objects suggests this was a place of remembrance as much as a final resting place.

The site is located in Pisa's San Jacopo neighborhood and is easily accessible for visitors. Objects recovered from the excavation are displayed at the Museum of Ancient Ships, which provides additional context on the Etruscan history of the area.

The mound contains no human remains, suggesting it was built as a memorial for a maritime ruler lost at sea. The broken trident found within reinforces this interpretation, pointing to a person whose life was intimately tied to seafaring.