The
Etruscan contribution to the advancement of western civilization ranges from
urban planning to art forms, supporting early Roman innovation and growth. Bloch’s
1962 paper “The Etruscans” outlines the basics of what was then known about
Italian society from the 600s to 265 B.C. The Etruscans were a fast-growing
nation of contentious origin, spurring trade and advancement of nearby, and
following, societies. The most intriguing difference between this nation and
others of its time is that women “shared fully in the life of society, in
banquets, festivals and games” (Bloch, 1962). This distinct contrast with other
civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, likely contributed to its quick
evolution within such a confined timeframe.
Etruscan
women are displayed on the remnants of their pottery and currency at the
Etruscan Museum in Orvieto, Italy. Bronze coins sport the profiles of both men
and women. Black and red pottery feature women trading, dancing, eating, crafting,
and fighting. Women acted as servants, landowners, advisors and
decision-makers. The roles often filled by men in most societies at the time
were shared by Etruscan women as well, the result of which is a legacy of
figurines that display copious amounts of freedom and legacy by females.
With such prominent empowerment
of women in a merchant society, as well as other key dissimilarities, it is
difficult to imagine nearby nations would fail to notice the difference. The
language barrier between the Etruscans and other civilizations on the Italian
peninsula may have inhibited a complete translation of ideas from one to
another. There are a couple hypotheses as to the origin of the Etruscan people,
but both agree that the language and general culture do not follow that of
other European societies that settled adjacent to them. Not only was the
Etruscan language different, but also the burial and funerary customs.
What a society contributes to future
generations may not always happen at the same time. The Romans quickly adopted
the Etruscan sewer system and the Greeks traded heavily with their aquatic
neighbors. However, the involvement of women in fiscal and political society
took a back seat until hundreds, thousands of years later. Walking amongst the
vases, figurines, frescoes, and various depictions of Etruscan society makes me
appreciate the status of women in such an early settlement. The legacy of the
Etruscan people is still unfolding today.
Museums are not the only entity
appreciative of Etruscan advancements. Roberta, our tour guide of Sorano and
Sovana, shared a few words of her pride in her Etruscan heritage and its high
valuation of women. Andrea, a server at Tipica Trattoria Etrusca in Orvieto,
was proud of his authentic Etruscan cuisine and its importance over time. You
never know just how long it will take for the future to fully appreciate the
past.
Claire and Andrea at Tipica Trattoria Etrusca
No comments:
Post a Comment