The paper analyzes significant parameters of the
settlements in northern Latium Vetus, from the
10th
to the 6th
century BC, such as geographical location, geo-morphological aspects, communication, material culture, funerary ritual.
We can thus see how this region was a place for meeting and cultural exchange, even though often
in the course of the centuries ethnic groups of the lower Tiber valley (Etruscans, Latins, Sabines,
Faliscans and Capenates) faced each other in wars.
The Tiber river was an important ‘frontier line’, but not an insuparable barrier for peoples living
on the two opposite banks. Experiences, materials and products, elaborated on the right bank, were
received by neighbours and reworked according to their own customs and tastes, only to be delivered again on the original land;
people moving to and from neighbouring areas over the river were
welcome, thus granting mutual exchange relations and convenience between the sides of the valley.
