Tradition et changements dans le paysage sacré de l’ Étrurie romaine: enjeux chronologiques, politiques et culturels.
Author(s)
Date Issued
2020
Type
article
Volume
46
Issue
1
Start Page
321
End Page
346
Journal
Abstract
The analysis of the sacred places in Etruria during the Roman period is extremely
difficult. Chronology is one of the most problematic aspects since most sacred places cannot be
dated stratigraphically as the evidence derives from old excavations. Their chronology is therefore
almost always based on the style of the votive material. Based on these uncertain chronologies,
the widespread abandonment of sacred areas in southern Etruria during the second century BC
has been postulated. This analysis shows that the frequentation of those sites could be dated until
at least the early imperial age. The examples highlight, albeit in different ways, the widespread
association of healing cults with agrarian and chthonian cults during the late Republic and the
early imperial age. These cults and the associated deities suggest that these sanctuaries of Roman
Etruria were frequented especially by subaltern social classes.
Subjects