Tomb of the Shields

third quarter of the 4th century BC

The Tomb of the Shields was discovered in 1870 in the area called ‘Primi Archi’.
This is one of the largest tombs in Tarquinia and is a typical example of a noble underground tomb from the early Hellenistic period (third quarter of the 4th century BC).
The layout simulates that of a house with a central atrium opening onto three rooms, one at the back and two on the sides.
Only the central chamber and the room at the back are decorated.
The underground tomb features numerous painted inscriptions, mainly referring to the Velcha family, the tomb’s owners, an important and powerful Tarquinian ‘gens’ also known from the tomba dell’Orco (Tomb of Orcus).
The central chamber of the tomb is particularly noteworthy, both in terms of its architecture and artistic expression.
The most significant scenes are depicted on the front and right walls, which feature two couples. The first couple consists of a man reclining on a kline (burial bed) and a woman seated at his feet, identified as Larth Velcha, the tomb’s founder, and his wife Velia Seithiti. Next to the couple, the founder’s parents, Velthur Velcha and Ravnthu Arpthnai, are portrayed.
This last couple is also depicted on the left wall.
The entrance wall shows procession scenes alluding to Larth Velcha’s journey to the afterlife, escorted by lictors (assistants of a Roman magistrate who carried the fasces, a bundle of wooden rods that represented the magistrate’s authority) to emphasise the dignity of his magisterial office.
The shield frieze in the back chamber, which gives the tomb its name, perhaps highlights the prominent military role played by members of the aristocratic family.
In the main room the double-sloped ceilings feature relief beams.
The tomb’s decoration exemplifies the figurative programs of the great Hellenistic gentile tombs and aims to celebrate the virtues and status of the Velcha family, immortalizing the moment of the departed’s departure to the afterlife and the funerary banquet in which ideally all family members participate.
The paintings are highly expressive, with skilful use of chiaroscuro and perspective.
Currently, the tomb is closed to the public.

The Etruscan Tombs

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