La transition étrusco-romaine et les premiers siècles de la domination en milieu rural étrusque : rupture ou continuité? Etude céramologique dans le Val d'Elsa (Etrurie septentrionale) des IIème s. av. J.-C. - IIème s. ap. J.-C.
(2012)
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- Authors
- Supervisors
- Cavalieri, Marco
- Abstract
- (en) Located in the inner part of northern Etruria, between the urban centers of Florence, Siena and Volterra, the Elsa Valley witnesses a steady human occupation since the Villanovan era. Although the region enjoys certain vitality during the Hellenistic period, the historiographical literature suggests the existence of a hiatus in its occupation during the Roman times. This period is traditionally described as a moment of temporary decadence filled in by a revitalization of the area only under Goths and Lombards. Nevertheless, the discovery of a monumental villa on the site of Aiano Torraccia di Chiusi seems to call into question this interpretative pattern. The residential structure has indeed been established at the end of the third century or at the early fourth century AD on a plain that appears to have been frequented from the third century BC to the seventh century AD, as indicated by the archaeological artefacts collected during recent surveys. This PhD thesis investigates therefore the framework provided by the ceramic productions in circulation in the Elsa valley during the first centuries of the Roman domination in order to redefine the historical background on which the late antique and medieval remains take root. Based on the study of unpublished ceramics, this research combines the analysis of data coming from surveys and objects exposed in local museums. For each ceramic class (black-gloss ware, late republican red-gloss ware, Italian and Late Italian sigillata, vivaria in doliis), this work offers a categorisation into technical separate groups and presents the morphological features and variants of each kind of products, examining, where appropriate, decorations, stamps and graffiti. Comparisons are then make with similar objects unearthed in surrounding areas with the aim of outlining an overview as complete as possible of the different vessel types and their prospective production centres in order to put forward chronological ranges and geographical identifications compatible with the specific technical and typological features of valdelsan wares. These interpretative considerations are followed by conclusions regarding the distribution of objects in the valley, the homogeneity of the material, the production centres and the influences discernible within these various ceramic classes. The study of ceramic remains discovered in the Elsa Valley has allowed to reassess the issue of occupation in the region, highlighting a diversified and diffuse presence during the Late Hellenistic and Roman times. This thesis has also brought new light to the definition of cultural identity in this part of northern Etruria, a region characterized by a significant continuity of craft skills, inscribed for a long time in the wake of Etruscan Hellenistic productions. Finally, this study led to the understanding of the various influences and imports testified in the area during the first centuries of the Roman domination.
- Affiliations
Citations
Meulemans, L. (2012). La transition étrusco-romaine et les premiers siècles de la domination en milieu rural étrusque : rupture ou continuité? Etude céramologique dans le Val d’Elsa (Etrurie septentrionale) des IIème s. av. J.-C. - IIème s. ap. J.-C. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/156771