- Ingrid Edlund-Berry –
Within Etruria proper, the mountain ranges of the Apennines mark the spine of the
peninsula, and accentuate the valleys crossing from west to east. In addition to long
stretches of mountainous areas, isolated mountaintops such as Monte Falterona, Monte
Giovi, and Mount Soracte provide a visual link between the earth and the skies, and,
as can be expected, provide evidence of ancient places of worship. Others, such as the
majestic Monte Amiata, of volcanic origin, create a focal point between north and south
Etruria, and may have served as central gathering places (Fig. 27.1).^7
With the exception of the Trasimene Lake, the lakes of Etruria (Lago di Bolsena, Lago
di Vico, Lago di Chiusi, Lago di Bracciano) are formed from volcanic craters that stand
out in the landscape (Fig. 27.2). Evidence of sanctuaries and votive offerings (statuettes)
suggest that the borders of the lakes were considered sacred, and that the transition
between land and water had to be protected.^8
The main rivers of Etruria, which also defi ned its boundaries, are the Arno and the
Tiber. Smaller rivers (Ombrone, Marta, etc.) provided access to the Tyrrhenian sea, and
Figure 27.1 Monte Amiata. Photo: Ingrid Edlund-Berry.Figure 27.2 Lago di Chiusi. Photo: Ingrid Edlund-Berry.