Cities, the Etruscans, and Global Urbanism: Interview with Professor Simon Stoddart
Nov 30, 2023
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Leading expert on urban formation in Etruria, Professor Simon Stoddart, discusses the process of urbanization during the Iron Age in the Mediterranean world. Topics include the construction and roles of cities, Etruscan tombs in Italy, cross-cultural perspectives on state formation, and the varying sizes of Etruscan cities due to peer-polity interaction.
Urbanization shaped the cultural and economic landscape of the Iron Age Mediterranean.
Studying ancient landscapes and applying innovative approaches helps understand factors driving city growth in different regions.
The landscape approach and peer polity interaction concept are valuable tools to unravel the Etruscan civilization and its urban development.
Deep dives
The Process of Urbanization in the Iron Age Mediterranean
The podcast discusses how urbanization was a defining characteristic of the Iron Age in the Mediterranean region. Cities, with their trade, craft production, and political power, shaped the cultural and economic landscape of the time. The guest, Simon Stoddart, an expert in the archaeology of urbanization, shares insights into how urbanization differed from place to place, such as Greece, Phoenicia, and Italy. By studying ancient landscapes and applying innovative approaches, Stoddart sheds light on the factors driving the growth of cities and the interconnectedness of different regions in the Iron Age.
The Influence of Italian Scholars and Art History on Archaeology
In this episode, Professor Stoddart reflects on his journey in archaeology, highlighting the influences that shaped his career. He discusses his interest in history and his realization that archaeological evidence provides a more comprehensive understanding of the past. Stoddart credits his aunt and an inspiring teacher for drawing him towards Italy and encouraging his academic pursuits. He recounts his early excavation experience in Winchester, which ignited his fascination with uncovering the lives of ancient people through archaeology. Stoddart also emphasizes the importance of combining physical work in the field with intellectual analysis in one's study of archaeology.
Exploring the Mysteries of the Etruscans
The podcast delves into the enigmatic world of the Etruscans. While the textual evidence is limited, the research has revealed much about this ancient civilization through the study of material remains and landscapes. Stoddart discusses the importance of understanding the Etruscans' support systems, their resource gathering methods, and the differentiation between cities and rural settlements. By examining the landscape and considering factors such as climate and military influence, Stoddart aims to demystify the Etruscans and highlight their similarities to and differences from other Mediterranean societies. The discussion also touches upon the role of religion and how it fostered community identity among the Etruscans.
The Landscape Approach in Etruscan Studies
The podcast emphasizes the significance of the landscape approach in studying the Etruscans. Stoddart explains how this method provides a broader understanding of the context in which cities and settlements existed. By analyzing the spatial distribution of artifacts, pottery, and terracottas across the landscape, researchers can reconstruct the organization and dynamics of the Etruscan society. The landscape approach also helps unravel the connections between different cities and their territories, enabling scholars to examine how size, location, and resource availability shaped urban development. Stoddart acknowledges the value of combining cultural and archaeological studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Etruscan civilization.
Peer Polity Interaction and the Dynamics of Urbanization
The podcast introduces the concept of peer polity interaction, coined by Colin Renfrew, as a key component in understanding urbanization and state formation. Stoddart discusses how this concept applies to the Etruscan civilization and their interactions with other city-states in the Mediterranean. While acknowledging the differences among Etruscan cities and their territories, Stoddart highlights the importance of size, resources, and social cohesion in the development of urban centers. He also emphasizes the influence of religion in creating collective identity and resilience within Etruscan communities. As the podcast ends, Stoddart discusses the future of Etruscan studies, mentioning the use of GIS technology and AI models to enhance our understanding of these ancient societies.
Cities are one of the defining features of the Iron Age Mediterranean, as urbanism spread across the sea and beyond to form the backbone of the classical age that would follow. Professor Simon Stoddart is one of the world's leading experts on this process, specifically how it happened in Etruria, and how that particular example compares to urban formation elsewhere.
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