The Etruscan World (Routledge Worlds)

• chapter 29: Tarquinia, Sacred areas and sanctuaries –

The sixth phase (300–281 bc)

The southern sacella remained basically unchanged, with a general tendency to
strengthen their walls. Nevertheless, some premises were modifi ed (Fig. 29.23). The
Heraion in building γ was dismantled and the cult of Hera was transferred to the nearby
Aphrodision, which was therefore divided into two areas with different concentrations
of offerings according to the two goddesses: Aphrodite-Turan in area L and Hera-Uni in
area M.^39 The naiskos devoted to Apollo in building α became one single room and zone
X between buildings α and β was monumentalized with pilaster-walls and a round altar,
probably in connection with a Sicilian infl uence.^40
In the northern area no consistent changes were accomplished, except for the
refurbishing of the sacellum and the integration of the well within its premises. One
more altar β was built in the west side of the sacred space, which was paved with slabs
of local stone probably used for sacrifi cial purposes and supplied with a small chthonic
well.^41 In 281 bc Gravisca was annexed to Roman territories. Nevertheless, the southern
sacella were attended again by the local population mostly in the Aphrodision and in the
Adonion where a votive inscription was dedicated (Adon on an Arretine cup).^42 In the
northern area of the sanctuary the dispersed sacred objects were collected after the Roman
destruction and sheltered in the above-mentioned votive deposit of its northern side.^43

Figure 29.23 Gravisca, sanctuary, the sixth phase (300–281 bc).

Thanks to Lucio Fiorini, Università degli Studi di Perugia.

NOTES

1 In 1982 the excavations of the Università degli Studi di Milano were started by Maria
Bonghi Jovino within the “Tarquinia Project” gathering many different interdisciplinary
approaches: Bonghi Jovino 2010. The research is now directed by Giovanna Bagnasco Gianni
(since 2004). The author warmly thanks Prof. Maria Bonghi Jovino for involving her in the
stratigraphic excavations at Tarquinia since the beginning, Prof. Susanna Bortolotto and Prof.