The History of the Park
There are many theories concerning the origins of the Etruscans, but the most widely accepted suggests that they came from the Aegean region—hence, a maritime origin. This connection is echoed in the Etruscans’ strong naval capabilities and the coastal nature of many of their cities.
Velχ (or Vel) to the Etruscans, Vulci or Volci to the Latins, and Olkion to the Greeks, was a major Etruscan city that for centuries dominated a vast territory stretching from the Tuscan mining district to the Tyrrhenian Sea, from Mount Amiata to the Fiora Valley.
Founded as early as the 10th century BCE, Vulci reached its peak in the 7th century BCE, both in terms of cultural flourishing and territorial expansion. At that time, it controlled coastal and inland routes through a network of strategic centers such as Saturnia, Pitigliano, Castro, and Sovana—key nodes in its commercial and territorial organization.
Vulci was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan Dodecapolis, a military and economic confederation that included Vulci, Volterra, Volsinii, Veii, Vetulonia, Arezzo, Perugia, Cortona, Tarquinia, Caere, Chiusi, and Roselle.
The city began to develop during the Villanovan period (9th–8th centuries BCE) and by the 7th century had established a significant defensive system, including massive walls. The urban settlement extended across the plateau and the small adjoining rise of Pozziatella, enclosed between the Fontanile di Giano ravine and the Fiora River, covering an area of 125 hectares—a clear sign of political and economic power.
The most compelling evidence of this development lies in its pottery and terracotta production, which reached extraordinary levels of craftsmanship between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE.
On June 11, 1965, the so-called Bronze Chariot Tomb was discovered in the Osteria necropolis. This burial, dated to the first quarter of the 7th century BCE, marks the transition from the Villanovan to the Orientalizing period. The tomb’s rich grave goods suggest the high status of the deceased—likely a military leader—as it contained a ceremonial war chariot and various weapons.
The city’s countless tombs and necropoleis, however, have suffered extensive looting over the centuries. As a result, artifacts from Vulci are now exhibited in museums around the world.
In 474 BCE, Vulci’s political and economic expansion came to a halt. That year, a naval battle at Cumae pitted the Etruscans against the Syracusans. The Syracusan victory ended Etruscan ambitions in southern Italy, initiating a gradual decline.
Another formidable rival soon emerged: Rome. Vulci eventually clashed with the expanding Roman Republic, culminating in its defeat in 280 BCE by the consul Tiberius Coruncanius. From that point on, Vulci became a Roman city.
Today, visitors reach the ancient city by gradually approaching its western gate, marked by the imposing remains of an aqueduct that extends from the arches of the Ponte della Badia to the city gate. The decumanus maximus, paved with basalt blocks, traces a clear path through the archaeological site.
Along this road stand the main Roman-era monuments, which were built atop earlier Etruscan structures.
The decumanus connects the western and eastern gates, continuing towards the Fiora River and the area known as Ponte Rotto, where remnants of ancient piers and a sturdy embankment made of tuff blocks can still be seen—evidence of a fluvial port.
Returning upstream, visitors re-enter the urban zone and follow the edge overlooking the Fiora gorge, where the river runs between dramatic cliffs. One of the most scenic locations is the Pellicone Pool, a natural basin formed by the river. Continuing onward, one reaches the northern gate of the city.
Exiting through this gate and ascending briefly along the Fontanile stream, one arrives at the Tombe del Carraccio. On the opposite bank of the Fiora—currently inaccessible—stand the monumental remains of La Coccumella and the François Tomb, the latter renowned for its remarkable wall paintings.
Numerous necropoleis, spanning the various phases of the city’s history, are scattered across the surrounding territory.
