The Etruscans were fond of Corsica

The excavation team is at work on the site of the Etruscan necropolis of Aleria-Lamjone. • PRESS SERVICE

The Etruscan civilization, which appeared in the 8 ^th century BC. BC in the Italian peninsula, has spread to Corsica, as evidenced by a new tomb unearthed in Aleria by teams from Inrap (National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research). It is located on a private plot, at a place called Lamajone, where excavations had already revealed ancient circulation routes and a Roman necropolis.

This Etruscan hypogeum, dated around 350-300 BC. AD, is located 2 m deep, at the end of steps and a 6 m long corridor, and consists of a semicircular chamber carved into the rock. The tomb was never looted, as it was clogged with a pile of clay, shards, pebbles and coal.

In an alcove an entire skeleton lay; a chance, because most often the acidity of the soils in the island destroys the bones. Its semi-flexed position on the side may evoke the attitude adopted during libations, according to archaeologists. This is undoubtedly a high-ranking character. Tall-handled goblets, three black-glazed goblets, and pottery were arranged around his skull. In the 1970s, 800 m away, tombs of Etruscan culture dated between 500 and 259 BC. AD had already been discovered, as well as 4,500 objects, including Attic vases and military equipment of warriors today partially presented at the Aléria museum. It is one of the richest Etruscan funerary ensembles found outside Italy.

Located along the maritime routes between Liguria and the south of France, Corsica interested the Greeks, the Carthaginians and the Etruscans. After the battle of Alalia (the ancient name of Aleria), which opposed these three peoples around 540-530 BC. AD, it joined around 450 BC. the sphere of Etruscan influence, and a stable population settled there. Until the island was conquered by the Romans in 259 BC. AD