PHOENICIANS, GREEKS, AND ETRUSCANS (archaic italy)

What was the layout and significance of the city established around 600 B.C.?

The city was laid out in an orthogonal plan with a road connecting it to Caere, indicating advanced urban planning. Archaeological evidence suggests it was influenced by Greek and Phoenician building techniques.

What are the key architectural features of Temple B?

Temple B measured 67 by 100 feet, was built in Greek style as a peripteral or tetrastyle temple, featuring columns on all four sides, with four columns along the width and seven along the length. It had a single inner chamber for a divinity statue.

How does Temple A differ from Temple B in terms of design and construction?

Temple A was larger, measuring 80 by 114 feet, and was built in Etruscan style around 480–460 B.C. It featured columns only at the front, walls of unfired brick, and three cellae, with the central one being larger.

What evidence suggests the presence of political and social organization in early Etruscan communities?

The construction of urban sites with blocks of houses and regular patterns indicates a degree of political and social organization, requiring decision-making by a ruling authority and coordination of communal labor.

What were the four phases of Greek cultural influence in southern Etruria from 750–480 B.C.?

1. 750–670 B.C.: Villages coalescing into towns, introduction of wheel-made pottery, and limited Etruscan imitation of Greek styles. 2. 670–630 B.C.: Rise of urban society, social classes, and adoption of writing. 3. 630–580 B.C.: Arrival of Greeks, beginning of sculpture and monumental architecture.

What archaeological evidence indicates the destruction of the two temples?

The presence of arrowheads and sling bullets suggests that the temples were destroyed by violence during the first half of the third century B.C., likely at the hands of the Romans.

What remarkable finds were discovered amid the rubble of the destroyed temples?

Three inscribed gold plaques were found, measuring about three and a half by seven inches, including one with a Phoenician text and two with Etruscan texts, indicating cultural interactions.

What was the significance of the gold plaques found at the temple site?

The gold plaques, pierced with holes and buried with bronze nails, suggest they were attached to temple structures, highlighting the importance of written language and religious practices in Etruscan culture.

How did the architectural styles of the Etruscans evolve from Neolithic times to the period of Greek influence?

Etruscans transitioned from single-room huts to urban planning with stone foundations and mud brick houses, adopting Greek and Phoenician building techniques and principles of urban organization.

What role did communal labor play in the development of Etruscan towns?

The construction of organized urban sites required significant communal labor, indicating a structured society with a ruling authority capable of coordinating such efforts.

What was the impact of Greek myths and pottery shapes on Etruscan culture?

The artistic reception of Greek myths and pottery shapes during the rise of urban society influenced Etruscan art and culture, reflecting the integration of Greek elements into Etruscan life.

What does the term 'praenomen-nomen system' refer to in the context of Etruscan society?

The praenomen-nomen system refers to the early form of nomenclature that emerged in Etruscan society, indicating the development of social classes and personal identity.

What evidence supports the idea of horizontal mobility of foreigners into Etruscan communities?

The arrival of Greeks in Etruscan communities during the 630–580 B.C. phase suggests increased interaction and mobility, leading to cultural exchanges and the introduction of new artistic practices.

What construction materials were commonly used in Etruscan architecture?

Etruscan architecture commonly utilized unfired brick, mud brick, and terracotta roof tiles, reflecting their adaptation of durable building materials.

How did the destruction of the temples reflect the broader historical context of the time?

The destruction of the temples by Romans signifies the transition of power and cultural shifts in the region, marking the end of Etruscan religious practices and the establishment of Roman influence.

What was the significance of the rectangular altar found between the two temples?

The rectangular altar served as a central religious site for rituals, indicating the importance of worship and religious practices in Etruscan society.

What does the term 'peripteral temple' mean?

A peripteral temple is a type of temple design characterized by a single row of columns surrounding the entire structure, typical of Greek architectural style.

What role did terracotta decorations play in Etruscan temples?

Terracotta decorations were used to embellish Etruscan temples, showcasing artistic skills and religious significance, particularly in Temple B, which dates to the end of the sixth century.

What were the living conditions of the inhabitants of Italy during Neolithic times?

Inhabitants lived in single-room huts with circular or oval floor plans, constructed from wattle and daub, and covered with thatched roofs, reflecting a nomadic lifestyle before urbanization.

How did the introduction of wheel-made pottery influence Etruscan society?

The introduction of wheel-made pottery marked a technological advancement that facilitated trade, improved craftsmanship, and contributed to the rise of specialized labor in Etruscan communities.

What does the term 'urban society' imply in the context of Etruscan development?

Urban society implies a structured community with social hierarchies, specialized labor, and organized governance, emerging as Etruscan villages evolved into towns influenced by Greek culture.