Description : Rusellae, situated in the archaeological area of Roselle, was an important ancient town of Etruria (roughly modern Tuscany), and subsequently of ancient Rome, which survived until the Middle Ages before being abandoned. The impressive remains lie near the modern frazione or village of Roselle (Italian: ) in the comune of Grosseto. The remains of the ancient buildings were brought to light by means of a long campaign of excavations carried out by archaeologist Aldo Mazzolai in the 1950s. More recent work has revealed many more impressive buildings. The first traces of settlement are shown in layers containing relics of Villanovan and at the end of 7th, early 6th century BC. Founded as a city in the 7th century BC, it was quoted by Dionysius of Halicarnassus as one of the cities that brought help to the Latins in the war against the Roman king Tarquinius Priscus. It developed to the detriment of neighbouring cities in particular Vetulonia. Rusellae was associated with, but not actually one of, the twelve cities of the Etruscan Confederation. The discovery of Attic vases with red figures testifies to the city's commercial contacts with Greece and the Greek colonies of Southern Italy. The Romans captured it in 294 BC. In 205 BC, it contributed grain and timber for the fleet of Scipio Africanus. A colony was founded here either by the Triumviri or by Augustus. The Diocese of Roselle was established in 490. In 935 the town was destroyed by Saracens. It was not rebuilt because of a malaria epidemic. In 1138 the diocese was suppressed and the site deserted, although still occasionally used. The episcopal see was transferred to Grosseto.
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