The Etruscans: Art, Architecture, and History

by Federica Borrelli, Maria Cristina Targia, Thomas Michael Hartmann (Translator)

Beginning in the eighth century B.C., an expanse of central Italy extending from the edges of the Po River plain to the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea became the setting for the civilization of the Etruscans. Although this people's geographic and linguistic origins remain controversial, the
Etruscans were deeply rooted in the region and wove a tightly knit fabric of commercial and artistic trade throughout the Mediterranean.
This well-organized and richly illustrated book examines the discoveries and masterpieces of the Etruscan world. Unforgettable paintings, works in gold, and sculpture in terracotta and bronze were created by the Etruscans, while extraordinary painted vases were imported from Greece. Scattered
throughout central Italy and marked by a variety of architectural forms, ancient cemeteries can be found at the seashore, carved into tufa, clinging to cliff walls, or buried beneath the fields. From these necropolises, dazzling evidence continues to emerge of a culture that was rich, multifaceted,
open, and peaceful-a culture destined to merge with Rome after centuries of independence. The Etruscans tells the story of this culture in a clear narrative that will appeal equally to both scholarly and popular audiences.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Art

Paperback

First published April 29, 2004

Reviews

[Ευθυμία Δεσποτάκη · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beginner's guide as it should be. Nice visuals.

[Lamadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in fifteen minute increments on breaks at the library at work. It is not an in-depth study of the Etruscans, but a general primer. Therefore, it is a great start, but lacks in details. I would like to find a book that goes further into what is known of Etruscan history and culture (although that can be lacking). It was a nice book, but rather short on information.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The vivid and beautiful pictures make this book a wonderful guide to a study of the Etruscans. The writing reads like a companion book to a museum tour, but the sections are brief and well-organized.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very easy read. It showed a lot of artifacts, which was nice. It was mostly pictures with a little text.