The Necropolis of Casa Nocera

The excavation of the Casa Nocera necropolis began following the report of the discovery of some finds in 1987 during agricultural work. The structure of the tomb, a large stone slab case, is in all respects similar to that of the most important burials in Volterra. Inside it was laid a large impasto ceramic container, intended to contain and protect the bronze cinerary vessel, while outside were the grave goods, which described the identity of the deceased. The grave goods from the necropolis of Casa Nocera, connected to the settlement of Casalvecchio, a village at that time located on a small hill to the east of present-day Casale Marittimo, reveal the wealth of the Etruscan Princes who lived here: the aristocratic classes sought luxury goods (objects, metal weapons, painted ceramics, ivories) that would indicate their social status, in life as well as at the time of death. It is for this reason that between the late 8th century and the first decades of the 7th century BCE, a funeral of considerable wealth was celebrated at the death of a personage we can identify as the founder of the Casalvecchio settlement. The bronze weapons, the helmet and parade shield tell us of a warrior; the axe, in the Etruscan world, symbolized political and military power; the lituo - a curved staff - made of ivory and the knife identify this eminent personage as a priest of the community as well as the head of the clan. The objects found, as well as the pomp of the ceremony and the structure of the necropolis, thus identify a Warrior Prince. During the 7th century B.C. other members of the same dynasty settled on Casalvecchio Hill were buried in the same necropolis as the Prince: the bronze objects, especially the weapons, indicate their role as warriors.