The Sanctuary of the ‘Ara della Regina’

6th century BC

The temple, with its grand proportions, gives an indication of the importance of Tarquinia throughout all of Etruria.
Excavations have provided evidence that Tarconte, the founder of the town, was possibly commemorated here as early as the 6th century BC. Presumably, the monumental cenotaph of Tarconte was created by two platforms of squared blocks, oriented in a different direction than the temple of the 4th century BC.
Only a few fragments of terracotta decoration from this more monumental phase remain, including the famous Winged Horses panel, now housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia.
The scene depicted in the few surviving fragments of the terracotta decoration on the temple’s pediment may suggest the apotheosis of the hero Heracles, who is believed to be an ancestor of Tarconte and was possibly depicted after his cremation on the funeral pyre.
(Giovanna Bagnasco Gianni)

The Ancient Ruins

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