A Significant Cultural Influence Of The Etruscans In Ancient Rome

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zThe question of whether the Romans descended from the Etruscans is a subject of debate among historians, and there is no definitive answer. However, there are several historical pieces of evidence that suggest a significant cultural influence of the Etruscans on the Romans. Firstly, the Etruscans were an ancient civilization that inhabited the Italian Peninsula prior to the rise of the Roman Republic. The Etruscans established a highly advanced and sophisticated society, which included well-organized city-states, advanced architecture, and a system of writing (Bonfante, 2006). The Romans, particularly in the early stages of their development, acknowledged and adopted various cultural aspects from the Etruscans, such as religious practices, art styles, and architectural techniques. …show more content…

The Etruscans were known for their belief in divination and their elaborate religious rituals (Bonfante, 2006). The Romans adopted many of these religious practices, including the practice of augury (the interpretation of signs and omens) and the worship of multiple gods (Beard et al., 2015). The Romans even adopted some Etruscan deities into their own pantheon, such as the god of the underworld, Dis Pater, who became known as Pluto in Roman mythology (Scullard, 1981). Furthermore, the Romans borrowed architectural and engineering techniques from the Etruscans. The Etruscans were skilled builders and constructed impressive structures, such as temples, tombs, and underground tunnels (Bonfante, 2006). The Romans adopted the Etruscan architectural style, incorporating elements such as the use of arches and vaults (Beard et al., 2015). The influence of Etruscan architecture can be seen in iconic Roman structures like the Colosseum and the aqueducts (Scullard,