When people think of important monuments and sites coming from the time of the Roman Empire, places like Pompeii, Herculaneum and the city of Rome itself tend to come to mind. However, the Romans possessed such a vast expanse of land all across Europe and elsewhere that there is a huge amount of fascinating remnants of their life and times scattered around the world. Archaeological sites may not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions Tuscany but there are many of great interest in the region that would enhance any trip and your understanding of the history of Italy. In fact, a new site was just discovered in Volterra which is thought to have been an amphitheatre like the Colosseum. If you want to discover Tuscany's past, just find a holiday rental in Volterra and start exploring Tuscany's Roman roots!
In recent months, Italian archaeologists unearthed remains of an oval structure in the area of Volterra that are thought to have once been a Roman amphitheatre. If this is the case, it is one of the most important Roman remains discovered in the past century. The foundations indicate that it measured an estimated 262 by 196 feet, though only a small part of it has thus far been unearthed. The structure has been tenuously dated to the 1st century AD so far and is thought to have been able to accommodate about 10,000 people. By comparison, the Colosseum in Rome could seat more than 50,000 spectators.
Volterra is known for its Etruscan legacy but this new discovery suggests that, during Augustus’ rule, it was an important Roman centre. Another theatre built in the Augustan age, which is one of the finest and best preserved Roman theatres in Italy, is located on the local archaeological park, a mile from the newly discovered arena. As the site is currently being excavated and it is thought that the process will take three years in total, it is, understandably, not yet open to the public. However, if you're interested in the archaeology of the area, the park nearby is a great place to start.
The Enrico Fiumi Archaeological park is open Saturdays and holidays from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Ticket cost just €2 and include access to the Etruscan Acropolis and Roman Theatre. This is a must if you're visiting Volterra or anywhere nearby in Tuscany.
The Enrico Fiumi Archaeological park is open Saturdays and holidays from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Ticket cost just €2 and include access to the Etruscan Acropolis and Roman Theatre. This is a must if you're visiting Volterra or anywhere nearby in Tuscany.
Photo credits
picture 1: Diliff / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: tiseb / CC BY 2.0
picture 1: Diliff / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: tiseb / CC BY 2.0
