The hinterlands of Rome : settlement diversity in the early imperial landscape of Regio VII Etruria.

Abstract

Regional survey is revealing ever more diversity of rural settlement across Italy. This paper compares the early imperial period results from thirty surveys across the area of regio VII Etruria in order to identify similarities and differences. Three distinct sub-regional patterns are defined – the suburbium, coastal Etruria and inland Etruria. A range of interpretative models is discussed with particular reference to the role of the city of Rome on economic and social developments. Finally, some of the structural connections between these three regions are emphasized – particularly demography, transport and agricultural strategies.