There’s a mystery in this part of Italy that has to do with an extraordinary collection of statues known as the Statue Stele di Lunigiana.

‘Stele‘ are defined as stone slabs bearing an inscription or design and serving as monuments or markers.

At least that’s the technical definition, but it’s harder to explain the amazing Statue Stele themselves.

 

This castle in the Tuscan village of Pontremoli is the modern-day home of the Statue Stele.
This castle in the Tuscan village of Pontremoli is the modern-day home of the Statue Stele.
The sculptures - abstract male and female forms - were carved into sandstone by civilisations who inhabited the region between 4000BC and 600BC.
The sculptures - abstract male and female forms - were carved into sandstone by civilisations who inhabited the region between 4000BC and 600BC.
The statues' original purpose remains unknown, but theories range from them being pagan idols or demonic figures, to markers of sacred lands or guiding spirits.
The statues' original purpose remains unknown, but theories range from them being pagan idols or demonic figures, to markers of sacred lands or guiding spirits.
You'd have to think this guy slots more into the demonic figure category.
You'd have to think this guy slots more into the demonic figure category.
In recent history, the first statues were found by farmers in the early 1800s. Since then, a total of 85 have been discovered - often propped up in huts or chicken coops or even in retaining walls!
In recent history, the first statues were found by farmers in the early 1800s. Since then, a total of 85 have been discovered - often propped up in huts or chicken coops or even in retaining walls!
Later civilisations had removed almost all the Statue Stele from their original locations and found other, apparently more practical, uses for them.
Later civilisations had removed almost all the Statue Stele from their original locations and found other, apparently more practical, uses for them.
Similar stele have been uncovered in other parts of Europe, too. But whatever the reason they were created originally, it’s hard not to be fascinated by them.
Similar stele have been uncovered in other parts of Europe, too. But whatever the reason they were created originally, it’s hard not to be fascinated by them.
Though the detail is limited, the faces are incredibly expressive.
Though the detail is limited, the faces are incredibly expressive.
And each one is different.
And each one is different.
This bloke looks like he might be catching a quick nap while on guard duty.
This bloke looks like he might be catching a quick nap while on guard duty.
The extradordinary Statue Stele di Lunigiani. Add them to the bucket list.
The extradordinary Statue Stele di Lunigiani. Add them to the bucket list.
The last Statue Stele seem to have been created around 600BC, when the Etruscians arrived. 400 years after that, the Romans swept into this region and began creating their own history.
The last Statue Stele seem to have been created around 600BC, when the Etruscians arrived. 400 years after that, the Romans swept into this region and began creating their own history.
On a low hill behind the village of Le Grazie, this is the Roman Villa of Varignano Vecchio. For about 300 years (200BC-100AD) this was a thriving commercial olive oil production and export business.
On a low hill behind the village of Le Grazie, this is the Roman Villa of Varignano Vecchio. For about 300 years (200BC-100AD) this was a thriving commercial olive oil production and export business.
Our great guide, Michaela, explaining the elaborate layout of the mill area.
Our great guide, Michaela, explaining the elaborate layout of the mill area.
This was a sophisticated operation with more than a hundred workers - not slaves, as Michaela made clear.
This was a sophisticated operation with more than a hundred workers - not slaves, as Michaela made clear.
The oil they produced was stored in jars buried in the earth - an effective form of temperature control.
The oil they produced was stored in jars buried in the earth - an effective form of temperature control.
The residence attached to the enterprise was no less sophisticated. This was one of several baths in the villa - the men's hot bath.
The residence attached to the enterprise was no less sophisticated. This was one of several baths in the villa - the men's hot bath.
Heated by an elaborate and effective system of engineering.
Heated by an elaborate and effective system of engineering.
Eventually a large water cistern was added to better service the baths.
Eventually a large water cistern was added to better service the baths.
The residential and office areas of the villa boasted decorative mosaic flooring.
The residential and office areas of the villa boasted decorative mosaic flooring.
 
The tiles in this intricate design are barely a couple of millimetres square.
The tiles in this intricate design are barely a couple of millimetres square.
Oil production here ceased around 100AD, but the house itself remained in use for another 500 years - give or take.
Oil production here ceased around 100AD, but the house itself remained in use for another 500 years - give or take.