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TELEVISION

Mysterious Etruscans

Series: Great Courses

4.5

(53)

Episodes

Rating

TVPG

Year

2016

Language

English

Publisher

The Great Courses

About

The Etruscans were the original inhabitants of central Italy. Centuries before Rome's rise, they built cities such as Pompeii, Capua, and Orvieto along fortified hilltops. They developed a system of roads and invented what we call the Roman arch. Without the Etruscans, much of what we associate with the Roman world, and thus the foundations of Western civilization, would largely disappear.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. Between the Greeks and Romans

30m

Meet the Etruscans. Although you may not know much about them, this opening lecture quickly shows how they served as a conduit between the Greeks and the Romans, influencing much of what we think of as Western civilization. Begin by surveying their world to gain context for this mysterious people.

2. Lost Cities of Tuscany

30m

Although Etruscan cities no longer survive, we can learn much by studying the geography and the foundations of cities that were built over the Etruscan developments. Explore three Etruscan cities to find out how they were designed, and see what urban development tells us about the people and their impact on future civilizations.

3. Who Founded Rome?

30m

Much of Rome's geography, architecture, and artistic inscriptions suggest strong Etruscan influence. After discussing three Etruscan kings who ruled Rome, Professor Tuck reviews the evidence-particularly in some of the city's prominent temples-that Rome was, in fact, largely founded as an Etruscan city.

4. Etruscan Cities of the Dead

30m

Step into the Etruscan necropolis-a literal city of the dead-which tells us much about how the culture viewed the afterlife, social class, and more. In this first of three lectures on the dead, you'll visit several ancient tombs to find out about how this mysterious people lived-and how their culture changed over time.

5. Etruscan Burial and Mourning

30m

Funeral rites are some of the most conservative components of a culture. Because they change so slowly, we can learn much from looking at a society's funerals. Here, examine Etruscan tomb paintings to learn about their religious rituals, from which we can deduce much of their beliefs, cultural priorities, and more.

6. Etruscan Afterlife

30m

Round out your study of the Etruscan view of the dead and the afterlife by examining wall paintings. Reflect on some of the key symbols around the transition from the living to the dead-including divers, underworld guides, and kings. Then consider how the Etruscan afterlife compared to Greek beliefs and mythology.

7. Etruscan Gods and Goddesses

30m

Shift your attention from the afterlife to survey Etruscan gods and goddesses. Learn about their pantheon and see how their deities compare to Greek and Roman gods, and consider what these deities indicate about the Etruscan worldview. See how collective action among the deities mirrored the culture's government, family life, and more.

8. Divination: The Will of the Gods

30m

One of the longest-lasting Etruscan legacies is divination, which had a profound influence on Rome. Venture into the Etruscan cosmos and find out how the interpretation of entrails, the flight of birds, and portents such as lightning strikes influenced their world. Then turn to blood sacrifices and other rituals designed to interpret the world and appease the gods.

9. Sanctuaries and Sacred Places

30m

Sanctuaries reflect Etruscan religious beliefs and offer critical insight into their culture and politics. Examine the placement and design of several key sanctuaries, and contrast them with Greek temples. After reflecting on the geography of religious spaces, Professor Tuck turns to religious art and sculpture.

10. Etruscan Myths, Legends, and Heroes

30m

While much of their art incorporates Greek elements-confusing archaeologists for decades-the Etruscans have their own distinct myths and legends. Here, delve into some of those stories and meet heroes such as the Vipinas brothers, who were a pair of folk heroes rooted in history. Explore the relationship between myth and history.

Extended Details

SeriesGreat Courses

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Steven TuckWriter

Steven L. TuckActor

Mysterious Etruscans

Mysterious Etruscans

About

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