Regolini-Galassi Tomb

tomb, Caere, Italy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The Regolini-Galassi Tomb is a significant 7th-century BCE chamber tomb located in Caere, Italy. It is a prime example of Etruscan funerary art, reflecting their elaborate attitudes toward the afterlife. Discovered unplundered, the tomb provided a spectacular glimpse into the wealth and artistry of the Orientalizing period in Etruria.123

The tomb's main chamber contained the remains of a wealthy woman, possibly a queen, buried with a banquet service and intricate jewelry. This discovery highlights the social stratification and division of labor present in Etruscan society at the time. Caere itself was an important trading center, known for its production of Orientalizing works and Hellenizing pottery, jewelry, and ornaments.31

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

ancient Italic people
Expansion and dominion
The Regolini-Galassi Tomb at Caere (c. 650–625 bce), discovered in 1836 in an unplundered state, dramatically revealed the full splendour of the Orientalizing period. The tomb’s main chamber belonged to a fabulously wealthy lady who, inhumed with her banquet service and a wide array of jewelry…
Read More
The Regolini-Galassi Tomb at Caere (c. 650–625 bce), discovered in 1836 in an unplundered state, dramatically revealed the full splendour of the Orientalizing period. The tomb’s main chamber belonged to a fabulously wealthy lady who, inhumed with her banquet service and a wide array of jewelry…
Read More