The Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia reflect the burial practices in Etruscan culture from the 9th century to the 1st century BC. The necropolises comprise various types of burials. Some are in the form of tumuli (burial mounds) which is a monumental type of grave. These tombs are first cut into a rock before being topped by a mound. There are also several carvings and wall paintings on their walls.
The necropolis of Cerveteri is the sole evidence of Etruscan residential architecture that could survive until today.
The Etruscan necropolis of Cerveteri, also known as Banditaccia, is highly interesting with its city-like plan, consisting of streets, small squares, and even neighborhoods. The site contains various types of tombs such as trenches cut in rock, tumuli, and some in the shape of rock-carved huts or houses with rich structural details. The necropolis of Tarquinia, also known as Monterozzi, contains 6,000 rock-cut graves, 200 of which are painted tombs, the earliest dating from the 7th century BC. These paintings are the only major examples of pre-Roman classical artworks in the Mediterranean basin. They also reveal great information about the religious beliefs and funeral rituals of the Etruscans.
These two Etruscan Necropoles are highly significant as there is little written evidence about the civilization, and the necropoles provide exceptional information on Etruscan domestic architecture.
Etruscan people established the earliest urban civilization in the northern Mediterranean region.
