Etruscan Culture Analysis

Before Rome became an Empire or a Republic, into the Rome we are so used to visualizing, it was occupied by several groups. One of the most notable groups that occupied the area were the Etruscans who were said to be one of the earliest. Although they left behind partially decipherable written material and the origin of how or when they occupied Italy is unknown, what they are most known for was their art and culture. The fragment of a Neck Amphora depicting Thesan is an example of some of the art left behind by these early residents of Rome showing their influence over culture as well as religion over the land.

The fragment of a Neck Amphora depicting Thesan (inv. 920. 68. 23.1) is a black figure earthenware with dimensions of 13 x 21.6 cm

The amphora was a valuable tool of the ancient times and was common among traders and merchants. Additionally, with the image of an Etruscan goddess on this common tool shows how much influence Etruscan culture and religion had at the time especially with an Etruscan king in power and their spread throughout Italy. Depicting an Etruscan goddess shows that Roman religion and theology had yet to take hold and Etruscan deities and traditions was the main belief at the time. The Etruscans would greatly influence the religious structure of Rome as they would adopt their rituals as well as their deities forming their own. It could also be noted how Thesan was a goddess of divination being presented on their art, a practice extremely revered among the Etruscans and a practice that would live on till the Roman Empire. The importance of religion could all be tied to this fragment in its art. Other than being credited with the formation of Roman culture, the Etruscans were credited with the origin of the amphora itself. Due to the lack of written materials from the Etruscans, the information gathered about their daily life and culture was heavily relied on the material found in the area further cementing the importance of archaeology in this field of study of this era of Rome. The study of their art style and traditions would have to rely on material data and what is found around the area rather than literary works of that time. The art style depicted on this fragment also represents the origin of Rome’s very own art style. This same figure and pose of Thesan would shine through in Roman art when depicting their gods in their art. Unfortunately, solely relying on the art and materials of this civilization can be faulty as the art and material alone can not always give the mindset and insight of the Etruscan