Tarquinia
The History
Anciently known as Tarxuna or Tarxna (probably from the name of the hero Tarconte, it mythical founder). Tarquinia is one of the most ancient cities of the Tuscia. Its existence has been confirmed as far back as the IV century BC, but it surely reached it maximum splendor with the Tarquini dynasty, who reigned over Rome (VIII-VII century BC).
The city, which during the IV century was the dominating center of the entire Etruscan area, falls together with the fall of the Roman Empire, due to malaria and barbaric incursions. The inhabitants therefore move to the nearby hill of the necropolis of Monterozzi, forming a new settlement called Corgnitum (then Corneto), where the medieval city will then rise and where the center of the city of Tarquinia is now located.The ancient Cognitum rose on a plain called La Civita, divided into two sectors: the first holds the remains of the ancient urban conglomeration, the second, called Ara Della Regina (Queen's Altar), is characterized by the basement of a Temple that dates back to the end of the IV century BC. Here it is possible to admire the Tuscany style medieval urbanization.During the XIII century Castro Nuovo is added to Civitas di Corneto, made necessary due to the demographic increase.Between the end of the XII and beginning of the XIII centuries, Corneto reached its maximum economic wellbeing, a higher level of political independence and the highest level of demographic consistency.In the 1400's the city is introduced to the splendid regality of the Vitelleschi.In 1436, Cardinal Vitelleschi has the Palazzo Vitelleschi built, situated at a hinging point between Corneto Vecchia and Castro Nuovo. Throughout the 1400's a series of building interventions follow one another, evidence that the Bishops are particularly interested in the town. In 1592 an earthquake causes numerous damages to the structure of the city; and in the 1700's city work is on the rise again.Lastly, in 1823, with the discovery of the first Etruscan tombs, a mechanism is set off that will shape a new cultural identity for the city.