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The rocky necropolis of Castel d’Asso - Viterbo

The identification of Castel d'Asso with the ancient Axia mentioned by Cicero in the Pro Caecina oration is now confirmed. The city already existed in the Archaic period, as evidenced by the discovery of some architectural terracottas dating back to 550-530 BC. C., which recall the similar and much better known specimens of slabs found in Acquarossa, flourished above all from the 4th century BC. C., as a minor center of the Tarquinian territory. In the III a. C. was subjected, like the whole area, to Roman rule, but, thanks to its position between the Via Clodia and the Via Cassia, it continued to enjoy a certain prosperity. In 87 BC it became part of the municipality of Tarquinia and from the middle of the first century. B.C. it was probably included in the municipality of Sorrina Nova.
The decline began from the early imperial age, until the site was abandoned in late antiquity, during the first barbarian invasions.
Back to being inhabited again in the early Middle Ages, the castle was built in the twelfth century, still visible today on the tufaceous spur to the west of the plateau.
It was the first Etruscan rock necropolis to be explored and made known to the world in 1817 by the Viterbo archaeologist Francesco Orioli.
The Orioli Tomb is located about halfway along the current access road, in the small side valley leaning against the tufaceous cliff that delimits the Vaccareccia plateau. It takes its name from the Viterbo archaeologist who discovered the locality, and dates back to the mid-third century BC. C. and the middle of the II century a. C.
Part of the semi-nut type with an under-façade compartment, its 17-meter-long sepulchral chamber is the most capacious, in the large side docks thirty-one transversal pits have been obtained on each side, some of which smaller for children, therefore counted as many as sixty-two herringbone spawning.