[Etruscan Velathri, Roman Vola-terrae]. An important Etruscan city and member of the confederation of twelve mentioned in traditional sources. The naturally defensive position on an elevated ridge some 32 km inland dominates much of north Etruria. Good agricultural land, rich deposits of metallic ores and clay, and the feasibility of salt production all combined to make the site attractive. Occupation is possibly as early as the Copper Age (Rinal-done culture), and seems to be established by the Iron Age, which is perhaps to be dated from around the beginning of the 1st millennium bc. As elsewhere, it looks as if the pattern was one of acropolis settlement subsequently spreading to lower areas, and by the 4th century bc there was perimeter walling enclosing an extensive area. Even as late as the 3rd century bc direct Roman government was evaded by agreement, and the town’s individual Etruscan character continued well into the Roman period proper. Volterra is noted for its carved funerary stelae, and alabaster urns decorated with mythological scenes. The Roman period itself saw the development of an area to the north of the Etruscan walls, which has left remains of some bath buildings and an Augustan-period theatre.
The Macmillan dictionary of archaeology, Ruth D. Whitehouse, 1983Copied