The Etruscan hilltop site of Poggio Colla, located in the Italian region of Tuscany approximately 22 miles northeast of Florence, offers a unique view of an ancient sanctuary with continuous activity between the 7th-2nd centuries BCE. Excavation from 1995-2015 revealed a sequence of monumental religious structures and material culture from the site. Noteworthy finds such as bronze votive figurines, large quantities of ceramic textile tools, a deposit of gold jewelry and a sandstone stele with the inscribed name of the divinity Uni (the Etruscan “Hera”) point to a strong female component within the site’s ritual activity. In addition, excavated evidence for habitation and a significant ceramic and roof tile production center on the hillside documents groups of individuals living and working within the sanctuary community.

This lecture provides a fresh look at the life of a sanctuary in ancient Etruria by demonstrating what archaeological evidence can tell us about the diverse crowd of worshippers who participated in the ceremonies and operations at an ancient religious site. At Poggio Colla rich evidence for communal rituals such as banqueting, weaving and spinning, and varied production activities that were part of the operation and maintenance of the sanctuary reveal an ancient community of individuals joined by common beliefs and behaviors, as much as by the built environment.