Who was Isidoro Falchi, the archaeologist?

Isidoro Falchi was an Italian physician who became an archaeologist, known for having identified and excavated the ancient Etruscan city of Vetulonia, in the Maremma. Born in 1838 in Montopoli, he became interested in ancient remains while working on local history. In 1880, after studying coins bearing the inscription «Vatl» and an ancient document, he visited the hamlet of Colonna di Buriano and there recognized the site of Vetulonia. His research was initially contested, but the name of Vetulonia was restored to the village in 1887.

Starting from 1884, Falchi led official excavations that uncovered necropolises, richly furnished tombs, and remains of the city. He also carried out some research in Populonia. It should nevertheless be noted with nuance: he was self-taught, and his excavation methods as well as his reports would not always meet current archaeological standards. His work remains important for the rediscovery of Vetulonia, even if the discoveries were later re-examined and studied with more rigorous methods. He died in 1914, and the archaeological museum of Vetulonia today bears his name.