Catena Metallifera
Catena Metallifera, located in the northern Apennines of Italy, is a significant mountain range known for its rich metal deposits, primarily copper and iron. This area played a crucial role in the economic development of Etruscan city-states between 700 and 650 BCE, attracting Greek traders from the Campania region due to its valuable resources. The range is divided into two main regions: the Massetano, centered around Massa Veternensis (modern Massa Marittima), and the Campigliese, originating from Campiglia Marittima, which also produced tin and alum. These metals were essential for various applications, including crafting tools and trade goods, thereby contributing to the wealth and influence of the Etruscan civilization. Traces of ancient Etruscan mining activities are still visible today, highlighting the historical significance of Catena Metallifera in the central Mediterranean. Furthermore, its proximity to Populonia and the metal-rich island of Elba underscores its strategic importance in ancient trade networks.
Subject Terms
Catena Metallifera
Colline Metallifere (Metal-Bearing Range)
Part of the Anti-Apennine Mountains in northwest Etruria (Tuscany, western Italy), producing the metals that attracted Greek traders from southwest Italy (Campani) and thus brought about the rise of the Etruscan city-states and created their wealth. The Catena Metallifera provided the only considerable supplies of copper and iron in the central Mediterranean region, and many traces of their Etruscan workings can still be seen. The two main nuclei, the Massetano (centered on Massa Veternensis, now Massa Marittima) and the Campigliese (from Campiglia Marittima; also producing tin and alum, used for dyeing) were situated in the immediate hinterland of Populonia, opposite the island of Aethalia (Ilva, Elba), which was also rich in metals.