Museo delle Antiche Genti di Lucania

The Museum of the Ancient Peoples of Lucania in Vaglio Basilicata interprets the archaeology of the upper Basento valley through reconstructions and displays.

Why it matters

The museum provides context for the Lucanian settlements of Serra di Vaglio and the sanctuary of Rossano. Its didactic reconstructions help explain archaeological remains whose original finds are held in other collections.

What to notice

Displays include a reconstruction of a sixth-century BCE princely residence, a room devoted to the sanctuary of Mephitis and finds associated with trade among Greek, Etruscan and Lucanian communities. The museum also presents working models based on Leonardo da Vinci's designs and a portrait attributed by some to Leonardo, though that attribution is disputed.

Context and history

The museum opened in August 2006 after decades of archaeological excavation at Serra di Vaglio and Rossano, including campaigns beginning in the 1960s. It was conceived as a territorial museum, using reconstructions to interpret the surrounding sites. The building is on Via Dinu Adamesteanu, named for the archaeologist whose work contributed to research on Lucania.