Roman settlements in Mugello and Val di Sieve.

Description

In this showcase we can admire Roman artifacts dating from the first to the fifth century A.D. found in Upper Mugello at Massapaia and between Mugello and the Sieve Valley along the oldest Mugello road: the Faentina, which connects Florence to Faenza. Archaeological research seems to define the site of Massapaia as a center active over a rather wide time span extending into the first five centuries of our era. Because of its geographical position, which was very strategic, it was a control point on the entire road system between Etruria and Emilia. Its dominant position resulted in an ideal observation point for the entire valley. The finds found define the site as rural in character, probably a staging area in the crossing of the Apennines, with a series of service and shelter rooms for both travelers and animals. Bronze artifacts, objects of various uses, tools such as iron knives and chisels, various bronze coins, nails and buckles, and various mouthpieces made of purified clay can be seen; non-purified pottery and other bronze objects have been found throughout the Mugello and Sieve Valley between Vicchio, Dicomano, and Rufina.