Etruscan culture

Angela

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Since we've been discussing Etruscan culture from an "origins" stand point, I thought I would start a thread on their culture, which is to me far more interesting.

I'll start with this very recent history channel documentary which develops from a discovery of the wreckage of an Etruscan trading ship. The cargo was three tons of amphora containing wine. The first twelve minutes are about the underwater salvage. After that, in addition to a discussion of the ship and amphora it delves a bit into Etruscan culture as a whole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42-BOK8bOSo

It coincidentally supports a statement I found in " The Etruscan World" to the effect that:
" The incentive for trade in the Bronze Age had been copper, but most evidently in the Iron Age trade was driven not so much by metal, but by wine."

Ed. RHAS might be particularly interested in it.
 
Recently an "exceptional" tomb from the 5th Century BC likely to be that of a Celtic prince has been discovered on the outskirts of Lavau in France's Champagne region. Beyond other artefacts in the tomb was a huge, finely wrought bronze cauldron around three feet in diameter, of Etruscan made, with four handles depicting the bearded and horned head of the river god Achelous.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31747159

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The 5th and 6th Century BC were characterised by the rise of Etruscan and Greek city states like Marseille in southern France. Mediterranean merchants, seeking slaves, metals and other precious goods, opened trading channels with continental Celts.
 
This particular documentary is very good, I think, and helps to explain some of the fascination with the Etruscans.

 
Etruscan Bronze Cutting Blade, Northern Italy, Etruria, 7th century BCE. Two blades with the cutting edges facing outwards and blunt tips are linked by an openwork ornament. The handle is formed by a round and an oval loop. Fine grooves on the cutting edges. Size: 5"L (12.7 cm)

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/36947145_etruscan-bronze-cutting-blade

Interesting, any idea what it was used for?
I would guess it is a butcher axe for chopping meat and bones.
 
I was wondering the same thing. Why are their two cutting edges facing outwards if they're chopping? I can't figure it out.
 
I was wondering the same thing. Why are their two cutting edges facing outwards if they're chopping? I can't figure it out.
Right. The size is only 5", so maybe a razor?
 
Right. The size is only 5", so maybe a razor?

That makes sense...

Interesting in light of the fact that their name is sometimes said to mean the "beardless ones". :)

They were quite interested in personal hygiene and fashion...men as well as women...

Etruscan mirror:
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This was given by mothers to their daughters as part of their dowry...a make up and toiletry container...
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A portable bronze container for cosmetics:
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Their jewelry is quite extraordinary in its craftsmanship, and has been copied and recopied over the centuries. Some of it is too ornate for me, but some of it is glorious. You can see virtual copies of the bracelet design in the third row down on the right in jewelry stores today. It costs the earth, of course. :)
http://www.faycullen.com/blog/etruscan/

In its setting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGJAQM5cyWQ
 
I see we're on the same wavelength!

Etruscan home and farmstead:
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Casa-delle-Anfore-Hypotheti.jpg
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Good design never goes out of style...you can rent it and be my neighbor in the summers...:)
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Some people like to leave the masonry exposed and some like to plaster the walls...I confess I like them plastered although sometimes you're not allowed to do it any longer...I particularly like them when they're a sort of peach color, which was the color of my house. A burnt umber color is nice or a nice golden sun color is nice too.
This is the village at the top of my hill.

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19th century reconstruction of an Etruscan temple, in the courtyard of the Villa Giulia Museum in Rome, Italy.

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