Villanovan cemeteries

Villanovan cemeteries are ancient burial sites associated with the Villanovan culture (around 900-700 BCE), considered the precursor to Etruscan civilization in Italy. These cemeteries typically feature small hilltop or flat surface tombs constructed from wood, clay, and stone, often organized in organized necropolises. Burial practices highlight social distinctions, with elaborate grave goods like jewelry, weapons, and pottery symbolizing status and cultural identity. The Villanovan cemeteries offer valuable insights into early Italian Iron Age society, rituals, and craftsmanship, serving as key archaeological sources for understanding pre-Etruscan developments in ancient Italy.