CHIANCIANO

   A probable Archaic Etruscan settlement, although no certain evidence has been recovered from the modern settlement, located close to some mineral springs in the neighborhood of Chiusi. The proximity of tombs, however, makes the existence of a settlement very probable. The oldest, circa seventh-century BC tombs at Poggio alla Sala, Via Tagliamento, and various other tombs were noted by Bianchi Bandinelli. In the succeeding period, the necropolis at Le Piane-Pedata became important and it was occupied from the end of the seventh century until the third century BC. A peak of prosperity (indirectly visible from the tombs) was in the sixth and fifth centuries BC. The settlement was, therefore, important even during a supposed contraction of population within the major settlements in the sixth century. At this time, a sanctuary (Bagni di Sillene-Acquasanta) was also significant. A find from this sanctuary is a votive lunate with a dedicatory inscription.