Archaeologists working in the heart of Tuscany have unearthed a series of unique, stone-lined pits dating back to the 6th century BC. These pits, found near a known Etruscan sanctuary, were found to contain polished bronze mirrors and residues of sacred oils and botanical extracts. Scholars believe these artifacts were used in a forgotten "Festival of Reflections," where participants would use sunlight and water to perform divination rituals during the spring equinox.
The excavation team from the University of Florence also found evidence of communal banqueting nearby, including fragments of fine pottery decorated with images of figures holding mirrors toward the sun. This find provides rare insight into the mystical and sensory aspects of Etruscan cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of light and optical phenomena in their ancient ceremonial calendar.