Locaux Riches: A Lucanian Elite Burial Cluster from the Vallo di Diano

This project focuses on documenting, analysing, and publishing the grave goods from a small 4th-century BCE ‘Lucanian’ elite burial cluster from Teggiano (località Castagneto/Campo sportivo). Excavated in the 1970s by the young Bruno d’Agostino, the five tombs, four of which contained grave goods, have never been studied in detail. Nevertheless, these assemblages have gained prominence in archaeological research, particularly after Arthur Trendall identified the “Teggiano Painter” based on red-figure vases from this group. According to Trendall, this artist ranks alongside other artisans from inland Campania and Basilicata who produced a distinct yet poor style for the local market, inspired by Paestan and other imports. The grave goods make this burial cluster one of the most significant in the Vallo di Diano, as well as in neighbouring regions such as Cilento and the Sele Valley in Campania and the Val d’Agri in Basilicata. This project contextualises the burial cluster within the limited 4th-century settlement and funerary evidence from the Tanagro Valley (Padula, Teggiano, Atena Lucana), as well as within the broader context of ‘Lucanian’ elite burials.

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