Gli Enotri e la cultura orientalizzante tra Etruschi, Greci, Fenici e Levantini: dai primi contatti alle soglie dell’arcaicità

This paper aims to analyse the different and composite socioeconomic dynamics that have affected Oenotrian area since the Early Iron Age with the birth of dominant groups that control the ancient communities and accumulate considerable wealth as an element of distinction. In this context, the theme relating to the importation of prestige goods by these high-ranking families will be explored in depth, with particular attention about findings from the necropoleis of Chiaromonte, Alianello and Guardia Perticara. The wide range of relationships maintained with the different Italic, Aegean and Eastern realities, responsible for the diffusion of precious objects of exotic origin, but also of new cultural models, will be underline. These last allow further thrusts to the socio-economic growth of the Oenotrian communities, whose funerary assemblages show the representation of traditional elements like the refined ceramics or the sumptuous female parures alongside with other innovative examples which document the complex cultural rrelationships and exchanges taking place through the river valleys of Agri and Sinni. A particular attention will be focused on the several commercial vectors, on the productions and on the different types of objects imported between the Early Iron Age and the Orientalising, which distinguish the rich burials of prominent members.