ABSTRACT
Etruria is rightly considered one of the main metallurgical centers of the ancient world. Its fame is due both to the rich metal ore deposits throughout the Tyrrhenian region and to the abundance of metallic objects that were recovered from burial grounds, from hoards and from settlements, from the end of the Bronze Age onward. This prosperity is particularly evident in the tombs of Caere, Tarquinia, Vulci, Populonia and Vetulonia and was linked to the control exercised by these centers on the mining areas and on trade in raw materials to Europe and the Mediterranean (Banti 1969: 46–47, 64, 184–185; Pallottino 1973: 129–131; Camporeale 1985: 29–33). Etruscan craftsmanship enjoyed a high reputation in antiquity: in the mid-fifth century bc candelabra and other bronze objects of Etruscan manufacture constituted sought-after furnishings for the finest Greek houses (Pherekrates and Kritias, quoted by Athenaeus, Deipnosophistai 15. 60.700 c, 1.50.286). Despite this, research on aspects of production, such as the exploitation of mines, ore smelting and manufacturing of metal items was largely neglected until recently by concerted archaeological research.
