Corsica under Etruscan influence

A Roman and Etruscan necropolis was unearthed in 2019 in Aléria, on the eastern plain of Corsica • PASCAL DRUELLE/INRAP/SERVICE DE PRESSE

A year ago, a rich Etruscan tomb was discovered in Aléria, Corsica. His study revealed that it belonged to a wealthy woman who lived in the IV ^e century BC. Since 2018, archaeologists from Inrap (National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research) have indeed been excavating a vast Roman necropolis occupied between the III ^th century BC. AD and the III ^th century AD. J.-C. on the site of Aléria, at a place called Lamajone. They unearthed 130 burials containing around a hundred individuals and numerous gold objects and precious stone ornaments.

A luxury hypogeum

Below the Roman level, steps descending underground led to a corridor which itself led to a bedroom. It is a hypogeum, a type of mortuary rare in France, but characteristic of Etruscan civilization. A woman lay there on her back, her arms along her body, buried with many luxury objects, such as vases covered with typical Etruscan decorations, some intended to contain wine, others resembling drinking cups. . Mirrors, jewelry, finery also accompanied the deceased, whose skeleton is very well preserved. In total, more than 200 objects have been listed.

The Etruscans, who preceded the Romans in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria, developed a civilization that spread throughout the Mediterranean. Corsica was on the path of Greek, Etruscan and Carthaginian merchants, who shared the maritime trade. Around 540 BC. BC, the battle of Alalia changed the geopolitical balance, and exclusive zones were created. The eastern part of Corsica came under the Etruscan sphere of influence and, until the Roman conquest of the island in 259 BC. J.-C., Alalia (the future Aléria) developed privileged relations with Etruria. An Etruscan population even settled on the island, as evidenced by this burial still under study.