The numerous excavations started in 1978 in the area of Frascole, in the municipality of Dicomano, have led to the discovery of, in addition to the foundations of the ancient Romanesque church of S. Martino al Poggio, materials dating from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD, as well as the mighty quadrangular perimeter of an Etruscan building, which was probably a defensive structure controlling the transit road coming from Casentino. It is conceivable that the building could have been a fortified residence (similar in nature to medieval castles) belonging to a large rural noble family. However, it is not to be ruled out the hypothesis that this finding could also be a large temple in relation to those pottery fragments found by the Archaeological Group of Dicomano, currently preserved in the municipal palace of Dicomano. The most interesting discovery is a Fiesole-type stele. It is a well-preserved funerary monument from the 6th century BC, with a bas-relief decoration depicting a bearded male figure, which may also indicate the presence of a tomb between the hamlet of Frascole and the capital city. Further scientific data are eagerly awaited, from the exploration of some burials located in the cemetery area of the site, but also from the presence of two partially explored drainage channels located in the eastern and northern areas, hypothetical collection routes for a probable cistern located in the underlying area.
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Velelia, Etruscan Woman and the Art of Beauty – Text by: Serena Pinzani
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The origins of Mugello
From Neolithic findings to traces of Celts and Etruscans