LA “FABBRICA” DI PYRGI

Abstract

The two late archaic temples located in the Sanctuary of Leucothea at Pyrgi can be considered to be the expression of Caere’s political power and direct control of the Tyrrhenian trade routes; at the same time, they highlight Caere’s building policy and management of resources. Thanks to the high level of preservation at the foundation level of the sites and the presence of architectural terracotta, the monumental temples of Pyrgi have been a reference point for the study of pre-Roman sacred architecture. In spite of the prompt and full publication of these sites, they are still deserving of a more in-depth study: new information has become available from ongoing specialist research, field activity and the creation of 3D digital models.
In line with the theme of the workshop, this paper focuses on the architectural project of Temple A and attempts to quantify the amount of construction material that was used to erect and decorate the building, as a means of evaluating the economic impact of the construction campaign.