CHIANA VALLEY (VAL DI CHIANA)

   The relatively fertile tectonic valley running approximately north-south in northeast Etruria that acted as an important communication route and territory for the cities of Arezzo, Cortona, and Chiusi, and as an access route to passes through the Apennines toward the Po Valley (particularly through the Mugello). The valley also contained many small, largely later, Etruscan communities such as those of Acquaviva, Alberoro, Asciano, Bettolle, Foiano, Lucignano, Marsciano, Monte San Savino, Sinalunga, and the votive deposit of Brolio.

   See also BRONZE FIGURINES; MONTE CETONA; PIACENZA.