The Etruscans: Mysterious Founders of Italy Before Rome
Who were the Etruscans? Long before the rise of Rome, the Etruscans ruled much of central Italy. They built cities, developed a rich religion, influenced Roman politics, art, and warfare—and then, somehow, they vanished. Their language is still not fully deciphered, and their origins remain one of the biggest mysteries in ancient history.
In this full-length deep dive, we uncover the story of the Etruscan civilization: their possible roots in the Villanovan culture, their ties to Greek and Phoenician colonists, their stunning achievements in art, metalwork, and divination, and their legacy that lived on in Roman culture, language, and religion.
Join us as we explore:
‣ Competing theories about Etruscan origins: were they from Asia Minor, the Alps, Sardinia, or native Italians?
‣ How ancient writers like Herodotus and Dionysius of Halicarnassus viewed the Etruscans
‣ The undeciphered Etruscan language, the Liber Linteus, and the Pyrgi Tablets
‣ The unique Etruscan pantheon: Tinia, Uni, Menrva, Turan, and more
‣ The mysterious figure of Tagus and the sacred books of Etruscan religion
‣ Religious practices and the central role of divination (haruspices, augurs, fulgurators)
‣ Incredible Etruscan art: including bucchero pottery, sculpture, and fine gold jewelry
‣ The military power of the Etruscans—naval rams, piracy, and warfare
‣ The Etruscan influence on Rome: kings, institutions, urban planning, the Latin alphabet
‣ The decline of Etruscan power in the face of Roman expansion, Greek naval supremacy, and internal disunity
‣ The final appearance of Etruscan priests during the Gothic siege of Rome in 410 AD
If you’ve ever wondered about the people who came before Rome (who laid the foundations for so much of what we call Roman civilization) this is the place to start.
Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about ancient civilizations, this episode will give you a complete overview of the Etruscans based on the latest archaeological, historical, and genetic evidence.
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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