History Extra podcast The Etruscans: everything you wanted to know
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Apr 19, 2025 Lucy Shipley, a researcher and author specializing in Etruscan civilization, unpacks the complexities of this ancient society. She explores their origins, challenging myths with DNA evidence that connects them to local populations. Delving into their vibrant society, she highlights the significance of the Dodecapolis and reveals the intriguing roles of Etruscan women, showcasing their relative independence and literacy. Shipley also discusses how archaeological finds and classical texts shape modern perceptions of the Etruscans, offering fresh insights into this captivating culture.
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Etruscans: Archaeology Key to History
- The Etruscans inhabited central Italy in the first millennium BC, known for complex archaeology and outside historical accounts only.
- Their own written records do not survive, making archaeology key to understanding them.
Geographic Heartland of Etruscans
- The Etruscans' heartland aligns with modern Tuscany and parts of Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and Lazio, bounded by the Tiber and Arno rivers.
- Their influence expanded north and south but their core was central Italy.
Archaeology Shapes Etruscan Knowledge
- Etruscan archaeology is central to understanding their culture, especially due to limited textual sources.
- Funerary remains dominate findings, but they represent only one facet of Etruscan life.