The Etruscan Settlements in the Chianti Region
The Etruscan civilization reached its peak in the 5th century BC, when the mysterious people extended its influence beyond Etruria`s confines (that is, the region between the Arno and Tiber rivers) in Emilia-Romagna and in Campania. Many Chianti toponyms, including Nusenna, Starda and Vercenni, are clearly of Etruscan origin. The name Chianti itself could be of Etruscan origin: according to someone it derives from Clanis, the ancient name of the torrent Masellone; according to others it derives from Clante, the name of an Etruscan family.
The area is scattered with Etruscan items and archaeological sites, including the ruins of Cetamura (an Etruscan settlement close to Coltibuono), the Tumulus of Montecalvario, the Acropolis of Salingolpe and the Necropolis of Poggino. A visit to these lesser Etruscan sites could be the finishing touch to a holiday in the Chianti region between nature and food-and-wine discoveries.
The decline of the Etruscan civilization began around the 5th century BC, with the coming of the Gauls from North and the Roman conquests in Latium and in Tuscany. Not only did the Romans found Florentia and Saena Julia (Siena) in the 1st century BC; they also introduced the cultivation of the olive tree, which is another characteristic feature of the present Chianti landscape. Under the Roman domination and up to the coming of the Franks and of the Longobards (from the 5th century), the Chianti region experienced some centuries of peace and... daily work in the fields.
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