This volume marks the conclusion of a long study and research project in the territory of Strozzacapponi, a hamlet divided between the municipalities of Corciano and Perugia. This is an area rich in deposits of travertine, used from antiquity onwards for construction and craftworking. Around the quarries a settlement sprang up, which unfortunately leaves no archaeological traces. However, a substantial necropolis survives, used between the late 3rd and the 1st century BCE, which is the object of the present study.
The book opens with a “chronicle” by Palmiero Bruscia, mayor of Corciano during the initial phases of the research project, and continues with a note by Giampiero Poli describing the geological characteristics of the area. Luana Cenciaioli outlines the features of the area at the time when the necropolis was in use, surveying the history of research. Alberto Trombetta and Paolo Bruschetti respectively study the settlement to which the necropolis belonged and the communication routes, and the necropolis complex excavated between 1996 and 1997, analysing the individual tombs and their grave goods. Riccardo Massarelli provides a study of the epigraphy, which indicates a type of society variously and amply ramified throughout the area. Luana Cenciaioli and Maria Cappelletti examine that part of the necropolis that came to light at Strozzacapponi-Perugia, describing the tombs and the grave goods. For particular aspects and specific studies they make use of the contribution of specialists in the various fields: Adamo Scaleggi on the conservation of the urns, Simone Sisani and Maria Cappelletti on the nature and reconstruction of the funerary beds, Paolo Boila on the geological studies before and after the excavation, Paola Comodi and Paola Sassi on the archaeometry of the pigments in the paints present on some urns, Margarita Gleba and Ina Vanden Berghe on the textiles found inside some of the cinerary urns; the conclusions on the style of the urns are entrusted to Luana Cenciaioli.
The volume offers an exhaustive presentation of the ancient settlement, conducted thanks to the contribution of the scholars involved in its investigation and enhancement and in the promotion of this important archaeological heritage.