The Urban Sanctuary of Kainua-Marzabotto

Starting in 1999, archaeological investigations in Regio I of Kainua-Marzabotto have revealed a complex sacred system featuring two main temples: the peripteral temple of Tinia and the Tuscan temple of Uni, connected to the acropolis via a broad processional road. The significance of the sacred sphere within the city is evident from the urban sanctuary’s extent and its economic and social role, which influenced the urban re-foundation between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The most recent excavations have uncovered new structures and artifacts that enhance our understanding of the sacred area. Among the most significant discoveries are the remains of a monumental portico adjacent to the temple of Uni, suggesting a collective function for the square, potentially with political implications. Furthermore, the identification of new votive inscriptions strengthens the hypothesis of ritual practices linked to fertility and the life cycle. Another noteworthy discovery concerns the transformation of the area during the Roman period: the 2024 excavations have brought to light a kiln and artisanal structures, indicating the site’s reuse for productive activities starting in the 4th-3rd centuries BCE.