Etruscan

(noun)

The modern name given to a civilization of ancient Italy in the area corresponding roughly to Tuscany, western Umbria, and northern Latium.

Related Terms

Examples of Etruscan in the following topics:

  • Etruscan Artifacts

    • Although many Etruscan cities were later assimilated by Italic, Celtic, or Roman ethnic groups, the Etruscan names and inscriptions that survive within the ruins provide historic evidence of the range of settlements constructed by the Etruscans.
    • Etruscan cities flourished over most of Italy during the Roman Iron Age.
    • According to ancient sources, some cities were founded by the Etruscans in prehistoric times, and bore entirely Etruscan names.
    • Others were later colonized by the Etruscans from Italic groups.
    • However, it is evident, from Etruscan visual art, that Greek myths were well known.

  • The Etruscan Culture

    • Etruscan society developed in central Italy.
    • Etruscan cities and regions appear to have been ruled over by a king, and Etruscan kings are accounted for as the early rulers of Rome.
    • While the Romans proudly remember overthrowing their Etruscan rulers, many aspects of Etruscan society were adopted by the Romans.
    • These records, while providing information, view Etruscan culture from an outside, foreign eye and so can be deceptive in their accounts of Etruscan society.
    • Since many Etruscan cities have been continually occupied since their foundation, first by the Etruscans, then Romans, up through modern day, a majority of Etruscan archaeological sites are tombs and necropoleis.

  • The Origins of Etruria

    • The origins of the Etruscans are mostly lost in prehistory.
    • Meanwhile, Rome had started annexing Etruscan cities.
    • These events led to the loss of the Northern Etruscan provinces.
    • The Etruscan state government was essentially a theocracy.
    • Knowledge of the Etruscan language is still far from complete.

  • Etruscan Ceramics

    • Similarly the Iynx, a bird-like creature in Etruscan mythology, also symbolizes love.
    • Bucchero pottery, developed around 675BCE, was an Etruscan invention.
    • Vase painting in the Etruscan culture thrived from the seventh to the fourth century BCE.
    • Among the Etruscans, richly decorated vases were often interred with the dead.
    • By this time, Etruscan vase painting had begun to take its main influence from Attic vase painting.

  • Etruscan Religion

    • The Etruscan scriptures were a corpus of texts, termed the Etrusca Disciplina.
    • The Etruscans did not appear to have a systematic rubric for ethics or morals.
    • Three layers of deities are evident in the extensive Etruscan art motifs.
    • The Etruscans shared in general early Mediterranean beliefs.
    • Describe some of the key characteristics of the Etruscan belief system

  • Etruscan Sculpture

    • Archaic Etruscan art often includes terra cotta statues that are stylistically and aesthetically Etruscan but influenced by Greek art.
    • During the Archaic period (600-480 BCE), the Etruscan culture flourished.
    • Although there are similarities between Etruscan and Greek Archaic art, significant differences mark specific sculptures as uniquely Etruscan.
    • Very few Etruscan bronzes escaped being melted down for reuse, and the Etruscans did not often work in marble or other hard stones.
    • The sarcophagus displays not only the Etruscan Archaic style but also Etruscan skill in working with terra cotta.

  • Etruscan Temples

    • Etruscan temples derive from Greek models but are distinguished by a high podium, deep porch, prostyle columns, and frontality.
    • Etruscan temples were adapted from Greek-style temples to create a new Etruscan style, which, in turn would later influence Roman temple design.
    • The Etruscans used stone or tufa as the foundation of their temples.
    • Etruscans often, although not always, worshiped multiple gods in a single temple.
    • The male faces were often representations of the Etruscan equivalent to Dionysus or his followers, including Silenus or fauns.

  • Etruscan Art under the Influence of the Romans

    • As Etruscan territories fell under Roman dominance, Etruscan culture and art changed to reflect Roman influence and new cultural values.
    • While Roman culture drew from its Etruscan roots, borrowing and adapting Etruscan customs, Etruscan society was also influenced by Roman culture.
    • This shift in Etruscan culture demonstrates the adoption of Roman funerary practices.
    • While the inscription marks him as an Etruscan, his attire and pose demonstrate the absorption of Roman culture into Etruscan society and the adoption -- especially by the ruling class of Etruscans -- of Roman civic practices.
    • Describe the changes that appeared in Etruscan art during the Roman period.

  • Etruscan Tombs

    • Etruscan tombs, grave goods, and necropoleis provide invaluable evidence for the study of Etruscan society and culture.
    • Scholars learn about Etruscan society and culture from the study of Etruscan funerary practice.
    • The imagery and grave goods found in Etruscan tombs help inform the modern day viewer about the nature of Etruscan society.
    • This scene depicts Etruscans' relationship with nature and the importance of hunting and fishing in Etruscan society.
    • Etruscan cinerary hut urn with a door.

  • Etruscan Bronze Sculpture

    • The bronze statue demonstrates Etruscan artistic techniques and liveliness, seen in Etruscan terra cotta sculpture, transmitted into the bronze medium.
    • The Etruscans also used bronze to create small objects, including storage jars, or cistae, and mirrors.
    • Etruscan bronze mirrors were used by women and often deposited as grave goods.
    • Cista with a battle between Etruscans and Gauls.
    • Discuss the different forms of bronze objects produced by the Etruscans.