This talk will take us out of Rome, travelling North, to explore three important Etruscan cities, Cerveteri, Tarquinia and Vulci that were part of the Etruscan dodecapolis (twelve cities), the Etruscan federation of the most important cities of Etruria

During the talk we will be able to better understand this amazing civilization as each city had its own peculiarity. But maybe, also wetting your appetite for day tips out of the crowds!

Cerveteri, 25 miles North of Rome, with its port of Pyrgi, left a trace of its splendour through a huge necropolis and remnant of temples recounting about the trades and the exchanges with other mediterranean civilizations, such as Phoenicians and Egyptians.

A few miles north, Tarquinia, the former Etruscan capital, is now recognized as a World Heritage Site for its stunning Necropolis and renowned painted tombs. Tarquinia gave the birth to aristocrats who ruled over Rome in the 6th C BC. The most important archaeological evidences here are the over 300 painted tombs, an Etruscan Picture Gallery dated between the 7th and the 2nd C bc. Worth visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia , located inside the 1400’s Palazzo Vitelleschi, that houses a vast collection of artefacts from the excavations, including some detached tombs and the magnificent “Cavalli Alati” or Winged Horse.

25 miles North of Tarquinia there is Vulci, was one of the largest and most important cities of ancient Etruria and one of the biggest pre-Roman cities in the 1st millennium BCE in the Italian peninsula. The habitation site is an urban context, uniquely stratified and mostly untouched, that includes Iron Age, Etruscan, Roman and Medieval settlements in the same general area

Dr. Livia Galante, often fondly referred to as the “Queen of Ostia,” carries an illustrious reputation that encompasses her profound knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm for the enigmatic Etruscan world. With a Doctorate in Archeology from La Sapienza University, Livia has dedicated her career to uncovering and animating the stories engrained in the ancient ruins. Her pedagogic approach seamlessly intertwines the tales of those who trod the Etruscan cities with the genius of the engineers who shaped them, offering a dynamic and engaging narrative that not only educates but also inspires her students.

Beyond her academic credentials, Livia embodies the essence of Italian ardor, coupling her scholarly insights with a heartfelt passion for sharing the splendor of bygone eras. Her lectures are a tapestry of antiquity, woven with a commitment to bridge the past and present by shedding light on the cultural exchanges that thrived within the venerable walls of Tarquinia, Cerveteri, and Vulci. For Livia, teaching is not merely imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a vivid and tactile connection to the Etruscans, sparking a lifelong appreciation for their pioneering contributions to civilization. Contact Livia and embark on a journey to the heart of Etruscan history at: [email protected].