The Etruscan site Ghiaccio Forte sits on a soft hill-top near Scansano (prov. Di Grosseto). Excavations were directed by prof Mario del Chiaro (University of Cailfornia) with codirector Anna Talocchini (Ispettrice della Zona Archeologica di Grosseta). Göran Söderberg was asked to join the team 1973 with the combined task of photography, surveying and drawing. Surveying was needed since no master plan of the aerea existed on which the city wall, house foundations and other artifacts could be recorded. Certain decorated architectural stones and terracotta fragments had to be drawn. A friend, the Geography graduate and a map freak, Lars Sandström came along to help out with the surveying. In Italian...
To read:
Etruscan Ghiaccio Forte
University of California, Santa Barbara
Excavations 1972.1973
University of California 1976, Library of Congress Number75-620119
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Road signs indicate the Ghiaccio Forte Hill in the far distance. |
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Coming closer, the hill rises above sunflower fields.
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As far as I can tell there were four (4) gates into the town, in spite of the fact that information from Commune di Scansano (see "In Italian") only mentions three. |
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View of the site. In the foreground can be seen part of the city wall, then a trench with foundation walls. In the background our capanna for lunch break. |
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The site seen from the southern end. |
Prof del Chiaro and Göran Söderberg discussing a possible interpretation of a foundation wall. At left dottoressa Anna Talocchini. |
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Lunch break. From left, Lars Sandström, John Pollini, Margot Stout, Bonnie Magness and prof Mario del Chiaro. The sign says GF Hilton - in Etruscan script. (GF stands for Ghiaccio Forte, no need to say)
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The crew. Standing: In blue shirt John Pollini, further to the right with a black top Margot Stout and the co-director dottoressa Anna Talocchini.
Bottom line: Portia Paradise, prof del Chiaro in white shirt, Bonnie Magness with red top and to the extreme right Lars Sandström. Behind the camera, Göran Söderberg. |
It was great fun to drive the Fiat 128 on the dirt tracks around the site. Here Lars behind the wheel. |
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South Gate
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Southeast Gate |
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Northwest Gate |
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