The most important Etruscan settlement in the Po Valley, also known as Felsina. The settlement is mainly known from its prominent Villanovan cemeteries associated with Villanovan villages that have given their names to the phases of development with their traditional dates (Bologna I: Savena, San Vitale, circa 900 to 800 BC; Bologna II: Benacci I and Caprara, circa 800 to 750 BC; Bologna III: Benacci II, circa 750 to 680 BC; and Bologna IV: Arnoaldi, circa 680 to 530 BC). A late seventh-century grave 5 “degli Ori” from the Arsenal cemetery is an important instance of a rich female grave, accompanied by an Egyptian amulet, fine gold jewelry and a decorated bronze rattle. Many later tombs were marked by horseshoe-shaped stele. The settlement was also the location of a sixth- to fourth-century BC cult in the area of ex-Villa Casarini, with votive deposits that included 29 schematic votive bronze figurines.
Historical Dictionary of the Etruscans. Simon K. F. Stoddart.