The origins
The territory of Chianciano Terme extends for 37 kmq in the southern part of Siena province, between the Orcia Valley and the Chiana Valley, at 475-metre altitude. This zone had been inhabited by man since the Neolithic age and several settlements had been following one another until the flourishing of the Etruscan civilisation.
The human presence in this area grew notably around the seventh century B. C., as it is testified by the Foce-Tolle necropolis, where there have been found canopic jars, little vases, fibulas. The growth of the Pedata-Le Piane necropolis dates back to the end of the seventh century. It now presents very rich tomb outfits: entire sets of banquet vases and goblets of Greek-Oriental manufacture. One of the main centres of the Etruscan civilisation was Chiusi and the axis linking the town to the sea, passing through Chianciano, one of the major expansion directrixes. In the second century B. C., the population increased and so did the settlements all around the territory of Chianciano, probably in relationship with religious needs. From the end of the second century to the beginning of the first century B. C. the first villas appeared in the agrarian landscape, generally in fertile areas near to road tracings.
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