The 7th century BC marked a turning point for the settlement that would become Praeneste. Excavations in the necropolis revealed major cultural advances during the Orientalising Period. Eastern imports appeared alongside close relationships with Etruria. The princely Barberini tomb, excavated in 1855, held contents of at least the same quality as those found in the cemeteries of Etruscan Caere. Ancient mythology connected the origin of Praeneste to Caeculus or other fabled characters such as Telegonus and Erulus. The name probably derives from the word Praenesteus, referring to its overlooking location. Early burials show that the site was already occupied in the 8th or 7th century BC. Of the objects found in the oldest graves dating from about the 7th century BC, cups of silver and silver-gilt were common. Most gold and amber jewellery pieces were Phoenician, possibly Carthaginian. Bronze items and some ivory articles seemed to be of the Etruscan civilization. The earliest settlement was probably a citadel on the top of the hill around which a cyclopean wall was built. Some portions of this ancient fortification remain visible today.
Roman Wars And Political Shifts
Praeneste withdrew from the Latin League in 499 BC according to Livy. This event marked its earliest historical mention. The town formed an alliance with Rome after which they won the Battle of Lake Regillus against thirty Latin states. After Rome was weakened by the Gauls of Brennus in 390 BC, Praeneste switched allegiances to stem Roman expansion into Latium. They fought against Rome in long struggles that culminated in the Latin War. From 373 to 370, it was in continual war against Rome or its allies. It was defeated by Cincinnatus during this period. In the Latin War of 340-338 BC, Praeneste fought with the Latin rebels against Rome to retain their remaining independence. After the defeat, Praeneste was punished by the loss of part of its territory. It became a city allied to Rome but equal, permitting Roman exiles to live there. Dating to this period are tombs from which come famous bronze boxes and hand mirrors. Some inscriptions were partly in Etruscan among which is the famous bronze Ficoroni Cista found in 1738. The inscription on it reads Novios Plautios made me in Rome, Dindia Macolnia gave me to her daughter. Praenestine graves from about 240 BC onwards are surmounted by characteristic cippus made of local stone.