From around 900 to 400 BC, the Etruscans were the most innovative,
powerful, wealthy, and creative people in Italy. Their archaeological
record is both substantial and fascinating, including tomb paintings,
sculpture, jewelry, and art. In this Very Short Introduction,
Christopher Smith explores Etruscan history, culture, language, and
customs. Examining the controversial debates about their origins, he
explores how they once lived, placing them within the geographical,
economic, and political context of the time. Smith concludes by
demonstrating how the Etruscans have been studied and perceived
throughout the ages, and the impact this has had on our understanding of
their place in history.
About the Series:
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original
introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology,
Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the
Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series
provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and
complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or
field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of
the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and
how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass
every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and
abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems
important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general
reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and
affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
