Page 50 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

48  INTRODUCING IT AL Y

The Age of the Etruscans

The Etruscans were Italy’s first major civilization. The frescoes,
jewellery and pottery found in their tombs are evidence of a
highly artistic, cultured people. Their origin is a mystery, as is
their language, but from the 9th century BC they spread
through central Italy, their chief rivals being the Greeks
in the south. Etruria was never a unified state, just a loose
confederation of cities. In the 6th century Etruscan kings Italy in 650 BC
ruled Rome, the city that would ultimately eclipse them. Etruscan kingdoms
Greek colonies
The double flute was a speciality
of the Etruscans. The instrument was
played at festivals and funerals alike.

Terracotta Winged Horses
This beautiful relief of yoked horses
(4th century BC) decorated the façade of
the Ara della Regina temple at Tarquinia.

Bronze Sheep’s Liver
The inscriptions served as a
guide for telling the future Tomb of
from animals’ entrails. the Leopards
Feasts and revelry are
common themes in the
Terracotta Cremation Urn frescoes that decorate
The lid of the urn shows Etruscan tombs. These
the deceased holding a writing musicians are from a
tablet. The Etruscans introduced tomb fresco (c.500 BC)
the alphabet to Italy. at Tarquinia (see p470).

c.700 BC Growth of
9th century BC cities in Etruria; earliest 616 BC Etruscans
Pre-urban communities Etruscan inscriptions become rulers of Rome
established along 753 BC Legendary date of under Tarquino the Older
river valleys in Etruria foundation of Rome by Romulus
900 BC 800 BC 700 BC
c.900 BC First traces of Iron
Age in Italy; Villanovan period 715–673 BC Reign of the
wise Numa Pompilius,
c.800 BC Greeks settle in second king of Rome Etruscan gold
Sicily and south of Italy earrings

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