Download The Etruscans

The beginning of Rome
Greeks and Etruscans
Rome and early settlers
• Around 1200 BCE, Indo Europeans settlers
(language which developed into Latin) began
arriving in the Italian peninsula.
• They settled in small scattered towns on the
plains and began trading with their neighbors.
• They built a bridge over the Tiber to maintain
good trade routes.
• Villages sprang up around the bridge and by
around 800 BCE the villages had grown into a
town ….Rome.
Rome and early settlers
• While the Latins were establishing their
communities, two other influential groups
occupied the peninsula:
• 1)The Greeks- Southern Italy and Sicily.
These city-states were centers of learning,
trade and commerce.
• The Greek Presence would have a
profound influence on Roman Culture.
Origin of the Etruscans
Z Between 1200 and 500 BCE
Z Came from eastern Mediterranean,
possibly Asia Minor.
Z Their land was called Etruria.
The
Land
of the
Etruscans
• By 800 BCE they had established a
number of city states ruled by kings ( like
early Greek city –states).
• They developed a highly sophisticated
society.
• They were big into art- wall paintings, rock
carvings, tomb carvings.
Etruscans
Etruscan Political System
Z Independent, fortified city-states.
Z Formed small confederacies.
Z Had a strong military that dominated
all the surrounding peoples.
Z By 6c BCE, the Etruscan military had
conquered much of the Italian
peninsula, including Rome and the
island of Corsica.
Etruscan Writing
Z Most inscriptions found on tombs
and monuments and mirrors.
Z We can pronounce Etruscan
words, because they use an
alphabet similar to Greek, but we
have no clue about their meaning.
Z Over 10,000 Etruscan inscriptions.
Lemnos Stelae – 6c BCE
The Etruscan Alphabet
Etruscan Writing Tablet
Etruscan Religion
Z Polytheistic.
Z Believed that the destiny of man
was determined by the whims of
the gods.
Z Believed in predestination.
Reconstruction of an
Etruscan Temple
Etruscan Cemetery
Etruscan Funeral
& Tomb
Etruscan Tomb
Wall &
Tomb Fresco
Interior of an Etruscan Tomb
Sarcophagus of an
Etruscan Couple
Etruscan Gold Jewelry
Life-Size Statue of an Etruscan
Baby in Swaddling Clothes
Etruscan Art
Z Art created for religious or utilitarian
purposes.
Z Most famous pieces created out of
terracotta.
Z Many murals and frescoes on tomb walls.
Z Lively depictions of life—dancing, games,
music, and feasting.
Z Pottery at first copies of Greek works.
Later, created their own bronze pottery.
Z Bronze crafts [mirrors, bowls,
candelabra].
Dance, Dance, Spin !
Double Flutist
An Etruscan Banquet
Etruscan Wrestlers
Etruscan Jars & Vases
Etruscan Bronzes
The Gate of Volterra:
First known Archway in History!
Etruscan Military
Bronze Warrior
6c BCE Chariot
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The Roman Military was no match for Etruscans.
Etruscans
A) Enforced compulsory military service training.
B) Troops organized and experienced.
Romans
A) Summoned men only when necessary.
B) Men had to supply own weapons.
C) Only wealthy aristocrats.
• In 600 BCE, the Etruscans overpowered the
Roman Soldiers.
• The Etruscan family ( Tarquin) ruled until 509
BCE.
• The last ruler was Tarquin the Proud, an
oppressive king who opposed the wishes of the
people and scorned religion.
• In a popular uprising, the Romans overthrew
Tarquin the Proud and declared their
independence.
This is important
• The period of Etruscans control (
100yrs),had a major influence on the
development of Rome.
• From the Etruscans, the Romans learned:
– How to use the arch
– How to build huge aqueducts
– How to build harbours, urban drainage
systems and walled cities.
– Metal skills.
This is important too!
• Many of the Etruscans religious beliefs became a part of
Roman life.
• Romans took their alphabet from the Greeks and the
Romans changed it to fit their own Latin Language.
• This alphabet formed the basis of the many written
languages, including English, French, Italian and
Spanish.
• By the end of the Etruscans period, the Romans
accepted the idea of a compulsory military service and
had solidified their views of the government.
• This paved the way for the Roman Republic.
Tarquin [Etruscan] Rulers of Rome
Reign of Romulus
753-716 BCE
Numa Pompilius
715-674 BCE
Tullius Hostillius
673-642 BCE
Anchus Marcius
642-617 BCE
Lucius Tarquinian Priscus
616-579 BCE
Servius Tullius
578-535 BCE
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus
535-510 BCE
509 BCE  Roman Revolt  Republic Established!
Questions
• How did the Etruscans influence the
development of Rome?
• Why were the Etruscans overthrown from
power?