Etruscan frescoes from the Francois Tomb now in the Villa Albani in Rom

Etruscan frescoes from the Francois Tomb now in the Villa Albani in Rome.
In 1857 Alessandro François was commissioned by the Prince of Torlonia to excavate the Ponte Rotto Necropolis in the Etruscan city of Vulci. There he discovered the magnificently frescoed tomb of the Saties (or Seties) family. These frescoes, dated to approximately 330 BCE, depict Caelius Vibenna (whom the Romans believed the Caelian Hill was named after) and Mastarna (a legendary figure whom the Emperor Claudius identified with Servius Tullius as well as a representation of 'Marce Camitlas' (Latin equivalent 'Marcus Camillus') about to draw his sword against a crouching 'Cneve Tarchunies Rumach' ('Gnaeus Tarquinius of Rome'). Some historians think the figure labeled as Gnaeus Tarquinius is actually Tarquinius Priscus, the legendary king of Rome (r. 616-579 BCE). If so, the painting provides an alternative fate of the king instead of the Roman tradition that Priscus was assassinated by his sons. Other frescoes depict scenes from Homer's Iliad including Eteocles (King of Thebes and son of Oedipus) and his brother Polyneikes killing each other and the sacrifice of Trojan prisoners at the funeral of Patroclus. It is thought the tomb's occupant is depicted as an augur, named as Vel Saties, who is dressed in a toga picta and about to interpret the flight of a sparrow or woodpecker. Some have suggested this may be a metaphor for his anticipation of passage into the after life. The tomb was located in a cliff face of volcanic rock above the river Fiora, much of it blocked by rubble. Historian Noel des Vergers, a historian accompanying Francois reported "Ancient Etruria appeared before us as it was in the days of its glory. The warriors lying in full armour on their biers seemed to be resting from the battles they had fought against the Romans and Gauls." The frescos were removed by Prince Torlonia soon after their discovery and kept in the Torlonia Museum (Rome) until 1946, when they were moved to the Villa Albani. Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons contributor Waterborough.

Fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci depicting a battle between the Romans and the Etruscan now in the Villa Albani, Rome, Italy.  Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Fresco of an Etruscan augur named  Vel Saties, possibly the occupant of the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome, Italy courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

Etruscan fresco from the Francois Tomb near Vulci now in the Villa Albani in Rome courtesy of Wikimedia Commons..

 Charun, the gatekeeper to the underworld carrying his usual hammer (used to dislodge the heavy crossbar of the gate) from the Francois Tomb near Vulci, now in the Villa Albani in Rome, Italy.



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