Etruscan Civilization: A Cultural History

Sybille Haynes

This comprehensive survey of Etruscan civilization—from its origin in the Villanovan Iron Age in the ninth century B.C. to its absorption by Rome in the first century B.C.—combines well-known aspects of the Etruscan world with new discoveries and fresh insights into the role of women in Etruscan society. In addition, the Etruscans are contrasted to the Greeks, whom they often emulated, and to the Romans, who at once admired and disdained them. The result is a compelling and complete picture of a people and a culture.

This in-depth examination of Etruria examines how differing access to mineral wealth, trade routes, and agricultural land led to distinct regional variations. Heavily illustrated with ancient Etruscan art and cultural objects, the text is organized both chronologically and thematically, interweaving archaeological evidence, analysis of social structure, descriptions of trade and burial customs, and an examination of pottery and works of art.

Noted Etruscan scholar Sybille Haynes is the author of Etruscan Bronzes, Etruscan Bronze Utensils, and Etruscan Sculpture.

The hardcover edition of this book is out of print.

"[This book] stands apart from the crowd, because of its detailed account of the material evidence and [the author's] acquaintance with the latest discoveries and publications."
—Times Literary Supplement

"A 'must' for personal, professional, and academic library collections and Etruscan studies reading lists."
—Reviewer's Bookwatch

"Engaging written, richly illustrated . . . my gift book choice for this season."
—Colin Walters, Washington Times

"Both wide-ranging and admirably specific, knowledgeable, sensitive, and sympathetic, this remarkably up-to-date account provides insight into the world of the ancient Etruscans in the various periods of their history."
—Larissa Bonfante, Professor of Classics, New York University

"For many years there has been a great need for a general, well-illustrated and authoritative book on the Etruscans, and this is it."
—Minerva

"A magnificent addition to the relatively few books in English currently available on the Etruscans."
—Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"An exceptional survey that shoud find a wide audience and many years of college use."
—American Journal of Archaeology