Landiae

Landiae is a medieval hillfort located in Tuscany, Italy. The site covers an area of approximately 3.5 hectares and is situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the River Pesa. Excavations at Landiae have uncovered evidence of a town or village that was inhabited during the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

Archaeological surveys have revealed a series of ditches and banks that demarcate a fortified area. The inner ditch, which is about 15 meters wide and 2 meters deep, is lined with stones and appears to have been a defensive structure. The hillfort's design and construction suggest a gradual development over time, with the addition of new sections and fortifications.

Landiae is often associated with the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in central Italy from the 8th to the 1st centuries BCE. While the site has produced some Etruscan artifacts, such as pottery and coins, there is no conclusive evidence to confirm an Etruscan presence at Landiae. The hillfort's significance lies in its testimony to the early and complex history of human settlement in Tuscany.

The Landiae hillfort was investigated by Italian archaeologist Giovanni Gozzadini in the second half of the 19th century. Subsequent excavations have been conducted by the University of Florence and other institutions. Further research is needed to clarify the site's occupation history and relationship to other Etruscan and pre-Etruscan settlements in the region.