The origins of Etruscan civilization remain uncertain, but history establishes that the Etruscans began to populate the Italian peninsula, especially the Po Valley, Tuscany and Campania, between the tenth and ninth centuries BC. Both artisans and merchants, the Etruscans crafted ceramics and gold in a sophisticated manner, and were also involved in the maritime trade of the Mediterranean.

The archaeological discoveries and the excavations of the Etruscan cities of the Maremma as Populonia, Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano testify that they were a cultured and industrious civilization, with a proclivity for the arts and economy. The Etruscans fell under Roman Empire in 396 B.C. and in the following centuries the Romans inhabited the pre-existing Etruscan cities, mainly Scansano, Pitigliano, Saturnia and Cosa.

Etruscan cities in Maremma

The Etruscan cities reached their splendor around the seventh century BC, but their numerous archaeological findings can still be admired today. The Etruscan Tagliata at Ansedonia for example is one of the most impressive engineering structures from this civilization that has survived the passage of time, built to prevent the port from silting up.

Saturnia, Marsiliana and Scansano also owe their origins to the Etruscans, and are now home to archaeological elements and necropolis. Velutonia and Populonia are two other important cities: at that time they established frequent commercial relations and in Velutonia it is possible to visit the Archaeological Museum, which contains all the items of the excavations carried out in both cities.

In Roselle, Roman and Etruscan styles combine to create a rich archaeological area. The artifacts found in the various excavations are preserved in the Archaeological and Art Museum of the Maremma in Grosseto. In Sovana, the system of Vie Cave connected all the necropolis of the area, including those of Sorano and Pitigliano, in the Archaeological Park of the Città del Tufo, to which we will dedicate an article.

From its vast pristine natural territories to its coastline and beaches, not to mention its villages, where the Etruscan and Medieval blend into places rich in beauty and history, the Maremma remains a wild, undiscovered territory, and today is a perfect day to start.