The major Etruscan settlement strategically located between the Val di Chiana and the Casentino (Upper Arno) in the northeasternmost part of North Etruria. Its importance does, however, not seem to have been great until the sixth century, as indicated by the older cemeteries such as Poggio del Sole, which have varied tomb forms and Attic pottery. The Etruscan city is otherwise distinctive for an important set of votive deposits, including bronze figurines from Fonte Veneziana. Another important find is that of the 65-centimeter high bronze Chimera found in 1553 near the Porta Laurentina of the city. This bronze played an important role in the rediscovery of Etruscan antiquity, with attempted restorations and interpretations, including of the Etruscan inscription that suggests it was a votive. A possible citadel (Castelsecco Poggio S. Cornelio) is located in the middle of the city. Research has been complicated by the city’s continued occupation as a Roman, medieval, and modern city.
See also DODECAPOLIS.
Historical Dictionary of the Etruscans. Simon K. F. Stoddart.