1. The
Etruscans

2. Origin of the Etruscans
Between 900 and 500 BCE
Called themselves the Rasenna, the Greeks called them Tyrrhenioi; the Romans called them the Etruscans.
Came from eastern Mediterranean, possibly Asia Minor.
Their land was called Etruria.

3. The
Land
of the
Etruscans

4. Etruscan Political System
Independent, fortified city-states.
Formed small confederacies.
Had a strong military that dominated all the surrounding peoples.
By 6c BCE, the Etruscan military had conquered much of the Italian peninsula, including Rome and the island of Corsica.

5. Etruscan Military
6th Century BCE Chariot
Bronze Warrior

6. Etruscan Writing
Most inscriptions found on tombs and monuments and mirrors.
We can pronounce Etruscan words, because they use an alphabet similar to Greek, but we have no clue about their meaning.
Over 10,000 Etruscan inscriptions.

7. Lemnos Stelae – 6c BCE

8. Etruscan Religion Polytheistic.
Believed that the destiny of man was determined by the whims of the gods.
Believed in prophecy and reading the signs of nature by augurs.
Believed in predestination.

9. Etruscan Cemetery

10. Etruscan Funeral & Tomb

11. Etruscan Tomb Wall & Tomb Fresco

12. Interior of an Etruscan Tomb

13. Sarcophagus of an Etruscan Couple

14. Etruscan Art Art created for religious or utilitarian purposes.
Most famous pieces created out of terracotta.
Many murals and frescoes on tomb walls.
Lively depictions of life—dancing, games, music, and feasting.
Pottery at first copies of Greek works. Later, created their own bronze pottery.
Bronze crafts [mirrors, bowls, candelabra].

15. An Etruscan Banquet