Etruscans and Others Full Slideshow

Etruscans and Others: Course Overview

  • Instructor: Angela Pola, Università degli studi di Pavia

  • Course Aim: To explore the history, archaeology, and art of the Etruscans and other populations in pre-Roman Italy, focusing on key issues and evidence, alongside evaluating the reception of Etruscan antiquities in modern Europe.

  • Taxonomy of Knowledge:

    • Consolidated knowledge on Etruscan and Italic civilizations.

    • Understanding of modern theories and methodologies for independent evidence analysis.

Course Structure

  • Parts of the Course:

    • A: Introduction (4 sessions) covering Etruscans in terms of origin, history, language, religion, and society.

    • B: 12 classes focused on Etruscan art and artisanal productions, tracing civilization development from 900–300 BC.

    • C: Final 2 lectures involving compulsory museum visits to the Rovati Etruscan Museum and the Museo Archeologico di Archeologia Ligure.

Examination Format

  • Evaluation Method: Oral exam with picture and open questions related to general and specific topics covered in lectures and compulsory readings.

Bibliography for the Exam

  • Compulsory Readings:

    • C. Smith, The Etruscans: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2014.

    • S. Hynes, Etruscan Civilization: A Cultural History, British Museum Press, 2000, or C. Riva, A Short History of the Etruscans. All books available online and in the Library of Humanities.

Approach to Recommended Bibliography

  • Memorization of handbooks is expected, alongside using bibliography to:

    1. Check the accuracy of class notes.

    2. Deepen understanding of interesting themes.

Importance of Studying Etruscans

  • Etruscan civilization as an urban and literate society, contributing significantly to early Italian history.

  • Over 10,000 inscriptions illustrate their developed writing system, which, though based on the Greek alphabet, presents unique linguistic features unrelated to Indo-European languages.

  • Etruscan city-states were key players in the political and military landscape of the Western Mediterranean prior to Rome's rise.

  • Rome's early kings had Etruscan origins, and various Roman customs were inherited from Etruscan traditions.

  • Etruscan cultural influence persisted through various periods, from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany to Neo-Classical architecture, shaping modern ideologies and symbolic representations.

Etruscology as an Academic Discipline

  • Etruscology encompasses the study of Etruscan history, culture, and influence, distinguishing between various ancient sources on Etruscan origins and contributions, and identifying biases in historical interpretations.