Balancing nature and ruins: lessons from the Etruscan Necropolis for sustainable archaeological heritage conservation

The Co.R.A.Ve. research project, initiated by the Polytechnic University of Turin in 2020, addresses the complex conservation of the archaeological landscape of the Banditaccia necropolis in Cerveteri (Rome, Italy). This site presents a unique integration of natural and Etruscan elements, embodying a landscape of significant historical, cultural, and emotional value. The project proposes a dual-scale approach to conservation: the landscape scale and the surface scale of archaeological artifacts. At the landscape scale, the project examines the intricate balance between native vegetation and funerary structures, focusing on the interaction between monuments and the surrounding natural environment. This analysis highlights the challenges of maintaining the aesthetic and historical perception of the site while preventing the overgrowth of vegetation that could damage the structures. At the surface scale, the research explores the delicate conservation of individual artifacts, where vegetation is not merely an external factor but an integral part of the architectural form. The study integrates theoretical frameworks, including Carlson’s scientific cognitivism and Assunto’s cultural landscape theories, to propose conservation methodologies that respect both the physical integrity and the cultural narrative of the necropolis. The Co.R.A.Ve. project ultimately aims to develop innovative conservation strategies that balance natural and archaeological elements, preserving the site's complexity and ensuring its enhancement and protection for future generations.Please leave an empty line between the text of the abstract and the keywords.