Top 5 Ancient Roman Sites in Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most popular places in Italy. It is famous for its wines such as Morellino di Scansano, white Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and many more. It also has a significant cultural and linguistic identity. Out of its well-known aspects, there are several ancient Roman sites. They have been excellent tourist attraction sites in the area over a long period. You can also attempt to visit Tuscany and have a look at the fantastic sites. Let’s have a look at some of these sites and what entails them.

  1. Cosa

It is traced back to 273 BC; cosa is the first Roman colony in Maremma. According to the Romans, the primary purpose of creating Cosa was because it enabled them to control the sea and land traffic that trespassed Tuscany when going to Rome. Before the Romans took control, the land was full of the Etruscans of Vulci before defeating them. The Romans established their empire between two hills. The surrounding walls are evidence that they were unsure whether they would deal entirely with the hostile Etruscans during the foundation. Later, the city was destroyed by the pirates in 70BC.  Few individuals managed to get back, but the city did not receive its exaltation again.

During the middle ages, another community shifted into the town. They practiced pottering and built a fort and a church adjacent to a cemetery. Currently, the buildings you will see at Cosa are more modest as compared to those in Rome. The ruins of the city and site are open for visit by any individuals. It’s a free entry into the archaeological sites, but entry into the museum paid a small amount.

  1. Ghiaccio Forte

It is believed to be set around the 4th Century BC. It was when the people built numerous cities of Etruscan in Albegna and Fiora valleys. According to a group of historians, they perceive it to have been a new living area for Etruscans. They flee from the city, escaping the Romans. According to others, it was a home for the winemakers in the region.

After its destruction, the section that is still intact is the city wall. The wall is set using stone blocks that align parallel to the rocks to fill all the gaps. It seems to be more strong than the other divisions of Etruscans found in Maremma. Within the city, there are remains of the small temple, Tempio di Divinita Agreste. In the temple, archaeologists have obtained several things, including bowls, vases, statues of animals and warriors, ceramic heads, and jars. Notably, the Ghiaccio Forte Etruscan name is unknown up to date.

  1. Giannutri Island

Firstly, it was occupied during the Stone Age and became a bustling port during the Roman Empire. The Romans referred to it as the Dianum, while for the German is the Artemisia. After the Romans left, the island becomes idle for some time. It was only used as a shelter by pirates when going to attack Tuscany. Later in the 16th century, the Spanish considered it a weak point based on their military port.  Their initial plan was to turn it into a sequence of housing estates, but it failed.

The Spanish and all other groups left the place undamaged. It paved the way for the island to blossom into the fantastic nature reserve it is today. Currently, it is the most beautiful island of Tuscany Archipelago.

  1. Rusellae (Roselle)

During the 7th century BC, several pre-existing villages of Etruscan united to form Rusellae. The old Rusellae and the smaller surrounding settlements became part of the 12 city-states of the Confederation of Etruscan. Their surrounding is of a wall made of large stone brick, which overextended approximately more than three kilometers.

The Etruscans had great efforts to drive the Romans away out of their land. However, the Roman Empire conquered Roselle in 294 BC. These Romans made the city one of the Augustan Era’s largest colonies. They build roads, cisterns, and public baths in which most of which are still evident today.

Today, most of the remarkable buildings are worse than ruins. Some of the areas are full of already grown brambles, making some ruins not well visible. The city is, however, an archaeological site. This provides tourists with an exceptional perception of the living lifestyle of the Etruscans. All the ruins have panels that seek to explain the Etruscan daily life and the activities t in the specific building activities during that period. The Roselle is a relic of the Roman and ancient Etruscans eras. The site has fantastic countryside and an outstanding view of the surrounding. The site is open for tourists to visit at the specified time. You can make the appropriate arrangements and see this fantastic place.

  1. Vulci

Its location is near the modern town of Canino, the Northern part of Tuscia. The Romans and the Estrucans left the city around the 8th BC. After their departure, the place has been on its own. It has complete statues, meeting halls, necropolises, public baths, houses, and monuments. Vulci is among the few places in the world where an individual can visit. Several Italian archaeologists have spent a great time trying to restore the fantastic city. Most of the buildings are well conserved until they are still visible. They have vibrant colored terracotta tiles, which grant it a good look.

Vulci was primarily a city for the rich and famous during the period of the Romans and Etruscans. It was a place for trading and commerce and a cultural hub. The houses, therefore, are better built and also very big. Some of the houses had inner court guards, while others use impressive frescoes for cover. The burial tombs are big, very elaborate, and are also have divisions into several rooms.  You can attempt to visit this fantastic place as it holds so much.

Are you a great fan of traveling? Do you wish to visit ancient sites?  Tuscany is the ideal place for you. When in Tuscany, you can visit these old places as they are easily accessible. They hold numerous memories and history. The various ancient sites are multiple in which we have to discuss some above.

Additionally, the sites have remains of the significant Romans buildings, bodies, and materials. 

When visiting the places, you need to know several aspects. These include the opening and closing time, if the entry is free or charged, and whether the terrain is slippery or rocky. Also, you need to understand what kind of environment you are visiting; chilly or warm. Therefore, make the appropriate arrangement and pay a visit to these sites, which are well known worldwide.