We recently discussed the incredible Etruscan heritage of Tuscany and the Tomba Ildebranda, or Tomb of Ildebrando, which is located in the Necropolis of Sovana in what is now called the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park. This park is home to Tuscany's most significant Etruscan tombs and is full of interesting artefacts, sculptural details, architectural elements and more. However, one of the most interesting parts is the Tomba dei Demoni Alati, or the Tomb of the Winged Demons. Featuring creepy sculptures of demons, this intriguing archaeological gem is a must for all budding or hobby archaeologists who have found a vacation rental in Sovana , particularly at this time of year as everything spooky becomes the most pertinent.
While the main attraction of the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park might be the Tomba Ildebranda, another of the four elaborate burial sites in the park is the fascinating Tomb of the Winged Demons, which dates to the second half of the third century BC. As you enter, you will find a roofed enclosure with a carving of a sea demon with huge wings called a scilla that originally crowned the tomb as its centrepiece.
While the main attraction of the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park might be the Tomba Ildebranda, another of the four elaborate burial sites in the park is the fascinating Tomb of the Winged Demons, which dates to the second half of the third century BC. As you enter, you will find a roofed enclosure with a carving of a sea demon with huge wings called a scilla that originally crowned the tomb as its centrepiece.
This impressive crowning feature fell, along with the pediment, from the top of the tomb during a collapse 300 years ago. While it is unfortunate that it no longer exists in all of its former glory, we are lucky that earth covered the sculpture, preserving it until the site was rediscovered in the 1920s by the famous Rosi brothers and could be pulled out of the rubble to go on display.
One of the most significant examples of an aedicule tomb, the Tomba dei Demoni Alati also features a figure lying on a deathbed in a niche that is watched over by demons and lions. There were also originally two statues of winged female demons flanking the tomb, only one of which remains, though it is quite well preserved. Representing the passage from life to death, the reclining figure holds a cup in his right hand, as the act of libation was seen to be the ideal entrance to Hades.
Just one more reason to visit this rich archaeological site in Tuscany, the Tomba dei Demoni Alati is an intriguing and vaguely spooky historic gem.
One of the most significant examples of an aedicule tomb, the Tomba dei Demoni Alati also features a figure lying on a deathbed in a niche that is watched over by demons and lions. There were also originally two statues of winged female demons flanking the tomb, only one of which remains, though it is quite well preserved. Representing the passage from life to death, the reclining figure holds a cup in his right hand, as the act of libation was seen to be the ideal entrance to Hades.
Just one more reason to visit this rich archaeological site in Tuscany, the Tomba dei Demoni Alati is an intriguing and vaguely spooky historic gem.
Photo credit: Mhiv / CC BY-SA 4.0
