An Early Etruscan Toddler’s Grave in the Transitional Trench Tomb Cemetery of San Simone, San Giuliano (VT): Wealth, Status, and the Hopes of a Family

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we report on a noteworthy early Etruscan trench tomb of a young child, most likely a girl, found intact within the cemetery of San Simone at the San Giuliano necropolis (Viterbo Province). The richly appointed grave contained the remains of a toddler aged 2–3 years, inhumed with wealth befitting an elite adult woman. Typically, the tombs of infants and young children are thought to portray status ascribed to their kin group. The objects interred in the grave reflect the high status of her kinship group, as well as her family’s aspirations for her and the social roles she was meant to have occupied if she had lived longer. Objects in the grave connect her to her ancestors and reveal her anticipated role in textile production and in facilitating and/or orchestrating politically important banquets, possibly even accompanied by sacrificial feasts. But this girl buried at San Giuliano may have been different in other ways as well. She likely looked different, probably having a cleft palate that may have led to her premature death. Some of the objects buried with her, particularly the amber pendant necklace, may have been meant to have curative or healing properties. Using an analysis of the construction of the grave, the osteological remains, and particularly the elaborate funerary assemblage, we explore this child’s expected roles in early Etruscan society and show how her family represented their connections to a broad range of communities across central Italy and beyond.