PISA

   A coastal settlement near the delta of the Arno River in North Etruria with nearby evidence of occupation in the Final Bronze Age and Villanovan period followed by evidence of considerable trade by the Archaic period from the rest of Etruria, Greece, and Marseille. A significant monumental cenotaph tomb of the eighth century BC has been found near the Piazza del Duomo. The tumulus contained a wooden box with offerings, a trident, and a stone altar with feasting material, but no body of the deceased. This tumulus then became the focus of other burials in the seventh century BC. Other cemeteries, mainly used for cremation ashes, encircling the city appear to be relatively poor. Excavation near the cathedral has uncovered a very early seventh-century circular structure that was replaced by a rectangular structure in the course of the seventh century that has similarities to other early structures from Roselle and Acquarossa. Ironworking was important from the late seventh century BC and the marble trade became important by the sixth century BC.