Etruscan Archaeology

This course explores the enigmatic civilization of the Etruscans, a people which flourished in Central Italy between the ninth and first centuries BCE and exerted a profound influence on the Romans and their successors. Our aim will be to paint a detailed picture of Etruscan society and its distinctive features through the critical examination of the artifacts, architecture, texts, and artwork that they left behind. Special attention will be paid to the following topics: daily life (food, dress, etc.), religion, social organization, urbanism, state formation, commerce and trade, militarism and colonization, and technological innovation. In exploring the aforementioned topics, we will consider the most important questions and debates within the field, as well as the legacy of the Etruscans.