- chapter 41: Princely chariots and carts –
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A second type of cart may be observed in the sketched reconstruction of that of Tomb
928 of Pontecagnano (Fig. 41.22, 675–650 bc) in Campanian Etruria or that of the
Tomba dei Flabelli (Tomb of the Fans) of Trevignano Romano (Fig. 41.23, 675–625 bc)
in southern Etruria, made possible by the study of some structural elements that may be
compared with the remains of a later example found in 1989 in the Tomb of the Princess
of Sirolo, in the Picene territory: buried after being dismantled and stacked (Fig. 41.24),
this preserves all the metal parts in the original position, giving us the possibility of
reconstructing a model of the vehicle (Fig. 41.25).
The principal distinguishing characteristic of this type is the Y-pole, formed by the
extension of the side rods that contribute to construct a fl oor, appropriately heat bent in
the direction of the yoke, to be affi xed to the pair of draft animals, generally mules or
donkeys. The Y-pole required a tip suitable not only to connect the two ends of the Y, but
Figure 41.22 Graphic reconstruction of the cart from Pontecagnano, Tomb 928. The numbering
indicates the remains of metal parts (project by A. Emiliozzi, drawing by L. Schiavoni).Figure 41.23 The cart from Trevignano Romano, Tomba dei Flabelli. The proposal of the
reconstruction (project by A. Emiliozzi, drawing by D. Lamura).