Poggio Sommavilla: Archaeology between the site and the museum

Poggio Sommavilla is known for archaeological finds dating from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity. This history is brought particularly vividly to life by the Fiaschetta: the brown ceramic pendant links a specific find context with an inscription regarded as the oldest example of Sabine writing. This gives a trip a clear cultural focus, from the necropolis and grave goods to their interpretation in museums.

Grave finds from different excavation periods

Excavations in the 19th century uncovered about ten graves in the archaeological site area. Between 1983 and 1986, a further excavation campaign unearthed 48 additional graves. Some of the graves show Etruscan influences. The approximately ten graves from the 19th century and the further 48 from the later campaign mark two distinct stages in the research. The 1983–1986 campaign brought to light considerably more graves than the approximate number discovered in the 19th century; the reference to Etruscan influences adds cultural context to these figures.

The Fiaschetta: year of discovery and date of origin

The Fiaschetta is an amulet pendant made of brown ceramic. It bears an inscription from the 7th century BC, regarded as the oldest example of Sabine writing. The pendant was found in 1895 among the grave goods from Grave III in the necropolis of the archaic center of Poggio Sommavilla. This object allows its date, the year it was found, and its find context to be distinguished: the 7th century BC refers to when the object was made, while 1895 is when it was discovered. Learning about the history of the find offers a concrete way to explore the different time periods associated with an archaeological object.

Finds in Magliano Sabina and Rieti

Finds from Poggio Sommavilla are displayed in the municipal museums of Magliano Sabina and Rieti. The Museo Civico Archeologico di Magliano Sabina is located in Palazzo Gori, Via Sabina 19. Part of its second floor is devoted to finds from the archaeological area of Poggio Sommavilla. In Room 12 of the Museo Civico Rieti, finds from the necropolis illustrate the period from the Archaic era to the threshold of Romanization. The two collection descriptions emphasize different aspects: in Magliano, the focus is on some of the finds from the area; in Rieti, it is on the historical period illustrated by finds from the necropolis. If you are planning museum visits, check the current visitor information for each museum before your trip.

The archaeological site, cultural route, and travel planning

No visible remains can be seen at the necropolis of Poggio Sommavilla. Its connection to the place is therefore understood through the history of the finds and the museum collections, rather than through visible structural remains at the necropolis. The Via dei Sabini is planned as a cultural route: the route is intended to connect the museums of Magliano Sabina and Fara Sabina and pass by the necropolis. If you would like to use this idea for a specific tour, check in advance whether the route is currently accessible.

Collevecchio-Poggio Sommavilla station is on the Fiumicino–Orte railway line. If you are considering traveling by train, check the latest departure times before setting off. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide on the focus of your itinerary: Would you like to include the collections in Magliano Sabina and Rieti, explore the history of the necropolis finds, or take the planned Via dei Sabini into account?

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