Introduction: Etruscans and Romans in Perugia
Perugia boasts very ancient origins, related to early settlements of the Villanovan period (or Etruscan proto), as early as the IX century B.C. During the Etruscan period, from the VII-VI century B.C., a hegemonic role in the surrounding area was gained by the city, thanks to its eminent topographical position (at an altitude of 493 m above sea level) dominating the Tevere River and the roadways, to the east, towards the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, to the west, the Trasimeno lake and the maritime Etruria. Its progressive economic-social and cultural growth is evidenced by an extensive building program that finds its highest expression in the city walls and in the monumentalization of its doors, in the impressive works of hydraulic engineering and in the remains of Templar architecture, as well as in the crown of its necropolis, characterized by monumental tombs, such as those of the Hypogeum of S. Manno, of the Hypogeum of the Volumni, of the Cai Cutu and of the Sperandio. The progressive phase of Romanization in internal Etruria ended with the 41-40 B.C. War of Perugia, in which the city was besieged and conquered by Octavian, the future Augustus, with the consequent elimination or cooptation of the local Etruscan aristocracies in the Roman ranks and an extensive program of restoration and rebuilding of the Roman Municipium.
Archaeological itinerary outside the walls
The proposed itinerary winds its way through the search of the necropolis that can actually be visited - among the many now disappeared or no longer available - and which can be reached by public or private means. Indeed, the Etruscan necropolis are located in areas farthest from the town, along the roads that leave the historic city.
North direction, starting from the Etruscan Arch, cross the Corso Garibaldi to reach via dello Sperandio and the Necropoli dello Sperandio (Necropolis of Sperandio) (1).
Along the road to the Tevere, where the necropolis of the Cemetery and Montevile were located, can be found the Archaeological area of San Bevignate (2), visible in the basement of the monumental complex of the former Templar Church.
The Volumni Hypogeum, Antiquarium and Palazzone Necropolis (3) is reachable from via Assisana (or through the motorway junction).
From via Cortonese (or through the motorway junction) it is possible to reach the Hypogeum of San Mano (4) owned by the Sovereign Order of Malta, which can be visited upon request. Continue towards Ellera to reach Corciano where it is possible to visit the Antiquarium Museum (5).
The Strozzacapponi Necropolis (6) can be reached from via Pievaiola.
On the E45 route towards Rome, a stop to the city of Torgiano for a trip to the Mediterranean culture of wine and oil is recommended, with a visit to the MUVIT Museo del Vino Torgiano (Wine Museum of Torgiano) (7) and the MOO Olive and Oil Museum Torgiano (8). Continue on the E45, to reach the city of Deruta, where the archaeological collections located at the Regional Museum of Ceramics (9) can be seen.
For interested hikers, it is finally possible to reach the Tomb of the Faggeto (10), on the slopes of Monte Tezio, at the top of the Cresta della Fornace (607 m).