Campagna di scavo archeologico presso la necropoli di Monte Abatone, Cerveteri.

This excavation is part of a research project that is a collaboration between SABAP Roma metropolitana-Etruria meridionale-Provincia di Viterbo and the universities ‘L. Vanvitelli’ – Campania, Urbino Carlo Bo, Tuscia (Viterbo) and Bonn. The ICR is working on the conservation of the finds. The geophysical survey, together with IGM photograms and satellite images, revealed the presence of tombs that were not explored or documented by the investigations undertaken by the Fondazione Lerici during the 1950s and 60s. The excavation trench was therefore positioned in the NW sector of the plateau, just to the SSW of the Tumulo Campana. Here part of a hypogean chamber inside a tumulus (diam. c. 14.50 m) of archaic date was uncovered (denominated 642-2018, continuing the numerical sequence used by the Fondazione Lerici). The tomb had been disturbed in the past and had partially collapsed. There was evidence of the quarrying of tufa blocks around the tumulus. During the 2019 campaign, the aim is to complete the excavation of the tomb and investigate its connections with the spaces in front of the Tumulo Campana. The final aim is a re-examination of some aspects relating to questions regarding the architectural and topographic organisation of the necropolis, its internal road system, and the road linking it with the town of Cerveteri. In the light of the new data, its funerary rituals and cultural relations with the Etruscan city will also be examined.