The Iron Age in Vicenza

The urban nucleus of Vicenza was formed during the 6th Century B.C., in a strategic position in a bend of the Astico River near its confluence with the Retrone River.

The bronze votive laminae from Piazzetta San Giacomo, near Corso Palladio, represent the most important find and prove the existence of an important sanctuary in the heart of the city, visited from the end of the 5th Century B.C. to Romanisation (1st Century B.C.).
Many laminae are discs that have been cut out and decorated with geometric patterns, others are moulded, embossed or engraved with the sick parts of the body or, mainly, depict the men and women who, for various reasons, frequented the sanctuary.
The most numerous depictions are those of armed men and veiled women, shown taking part in initiation rites; there are also naked men and women, dignitaries, priests and priestesses, young maidens pouring libations or playing with a ball, athletes or knights.
An example of an alphabetical tablet, the reproduction on lamina of spelling tables that were actually used, is evidence that writing was taught in this sanctuary.

The materials from this pre-Roman settlement include votive deposits of miniature vases from Contrà Pasini and the area of Santa Corona and a fragment of andiron in the shape of a horse’s head with engraved decoration, this too from the Santa Corona area.