An Umbrian inscription at Poggio Civitate (Murlo)

Abstract

The Etruscan site of Poggio Civitate has preserved a small corpus of inscriptions dating to the 7th century BCE phase of the site. Among them is one outlier: a fragmentary text inscribed on the rim of a utilitarian vessel manufactured at the site. The text and alphabet appear Umbrian rather than Etruscan. The find spot and date of the fragment are discussed, possible interpretations of the text are offered, and attempt is made to situate the inscription within its social context.