The Etruscan World (Routledge Worlds)

GRAVISC A

The sanctuary of Gravisca on the coast is organized as a considerable middle ground for the
meeting of Etruscans and foreigners. The shrines of its southern part show multifaceted
cultic practices to honor different Greek gods in a modest architectural setting, whereas
the northern sanctuary is focused on two imposing chthonic altars probably dedicated
to two Etruscan gods, Suri and Cavatha (Apollo and Persephone according to the Greek
interpretatio) (Fig. 29.19).
The results of the forty-year excavations in these two main areas of the sanctuary
of Gravisca in their detailed chronological phases and relationships have been recently
presented, therefore an up-to-date overview of the whole sanctuary is now possible.19
The beginning of the sanctuary is unraveled in its southern area thus far. At the end of
the seventh century bc, Greek visitors from Phocaea were hosted in the favorable natural
shelter of the lagoon of Gravisca, which is rich in good fresh water. This probably happened
coincidentally with the foundation of the Etruscan settlement of Gravisca further north20
that has always been part of the territory of Tarquinia. This is clearly stated by Livy when
he reports the deduction of the colony of Gravisca in 18 1 bc: “Colonia Grauiscae eo anno
deducta est in agrum Etruscum, de Tarquiniensibus quondam captum. ” (“The colony of
Graviscae was founded in Etruscan territory, formerly occupied by the Tarquinians,” Livy,
Ab Urbe condita 40.29).21
Such very early cult practices developed in an open-air setting (sub divo), but shortly
thereafter a shrine devoted to Aphrodite was built. The area around it was enlarged and
articulated through almost three architectonic phases carried out by east Greek builders
under the control of local authorities that also guaranteed international exchanges.22 The

Figure 29.19 Gravisca, sanctuary, general plan. Thanks to Lucio Fiorini,

Universita degli Studi di Perugia.

GRAVISCA

Southern area

1969-1979

Northern area

1994-2007

CHAPTER 2 9:Ta r qu i n i a, Sacred areas and sanctuaries