Hypogeum of the Volumnis

In 2004, students and faculty from the University of Ferrara took 22 high definition scans in the Etruscan Tombs of Ipogeo dei Volumni. The focus was primarily on the hypogeum, carved out of sandstone 5.3 meters bellow grade, however parts of the entrance and terraced tombs atop the joining staircase were included. In 2007, Oliver Monson of CyArk visited the site, returning with detailed digital photos of both the entrance and accompanying tombs. Much of what is known about Etruscan culture is derived from unearthed tombs like Ipogeo dei Volumni. The Etruscan civilization is believed by some historians to have developed around 700BCE. Archaeological findings have shown Archaic Erturia (the parent culture) are recognized by their painted tombs, elaborate bronze work and highly organized settlements. 'The late fourth and early third centuries were characterized by renewed vigour among the Etruscan elites, resulting impressive funerary monuments and seemingly futile resistance to gradual Romanization between the third and first century BCE.'4The hypogeum of Impogeo dei Volumni accumulated hundreds of tombs while active between 300 and 100 BCE and was probably closed off following the Romans takeover of the Etruscan civialation. External Project Link: \N Additional Info Link: