#arretium

Etruscan Bronze Sculpture

Etruscan bronze sculptures rank among ancient Italy’s most captivating artworks. Despite bronze being valuable and often recycled, remarkable pieces like the Chimera of Arezzo and Mars of Todi still exist today. These sculptures highlight the artistic skill and cultural importance of the Etruscans, Italy’s first great civilization.

Key Facts

The Etruscans began producing bronze goods during the Villanovan period (1100-750 BCE).

Their bronze work ranged from everyday objects to intricate figure sculptures.

Famous surviving sculptures include the Chimera of Arezzo and Mars of Todi.

Bronze was prized in antiquity and often melted down, making surviving sculptures rare.

These artworks demonstrate the advanced metalworking and artistic skills of the Etruscans.

Historical Context

The Etruscans thrived in ancient Italy before the rise of Rome, influencing Italian culture, art, and religion. Their Villanovan roots show early metalworking traditions that evolved into sophisticated bronze sculptures. These masterpieces were created during a time when bronze was the dominant material for art and tools.

Historical Significance

Etruscan bronze sculptures provide vital insight into a civilization that laid the groundwork for Roman culture. Their survival helps historians understand ancient Italian metalwork and religious symbolism. As some of the few original artifacts from Italy’s early history, these bronzes enrich our knowledge of pre-Roman art and society.

Arquitectura etrusca

La arquitectura de la civilización etrusca, la cual floreció en la Italia central entre los siglos VIII y III a.C., ha quedado borrada en gran medida tanto por los conquistadores romanos como por el paso del tiempo, pero la propia influencia de los etruscos sobre la arquitectura romana y la impresión que sus edificaciones causaron en escritores posteriores ofrecen pistas tentadoras sobre lo que falta. Los modelos de cerámica, las pinturas en tumbas y las excavaciones en sitios tales como Tarquinia, Vulci, Veii, y Cerveteri han revelado evidencia tangible de que los arquitectos etruscos eran tanto innovadores como ambiciosos. La columna toscana, la puerta arqueada, la villa privada con atrio y los templos a gran escala sobre impresionantes plataformas elevadas con extravagantes decoraciones en terracota, son solo algunas de las innovaciones que copiarían y adaptarían sus sucesores culturales en Italia.

Mould fragment of a bowl with maenad dancing and bearded satyr 

Roman (Arretine ware), Augustan Period, 31 BC to AD 14

terracotta

PLACES IN THE ANCIENT WORLD: Arretium (Italy/Modern Arezzo) 

ARRETIUM  (modern Arezzo) was an important Etruscan town located in the extreme north-east of Etruria in central Italy. Flourishing as a trade and manufacturing centre, Arretium managed to overcome its rivalry with Rome and continue as a prosperous town into the Imperial period. Although much of its ancient architecture has disappeared, one significant legacy from the Etruscan period is the magnificent bronze statue known as the Chimera of Arezzo, perhaps that culture's finest surviving art piece.

Although human habitation of the site dates back to the Palaeolithic Period, Arretium was something of a late starter compared to other Etruscan sites which sprang up in the Villanovan Period (1100-750 BCE). Etruscan Arretium was established, rather, sometime in the 6th century BCE. Arretium prospered due to its geographical location at the junction of the Tiber River and Arno River valleys.

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Arretium

Arretium (aujourd'hui Arezzo) était une importante ville étrusque située à l'extrême nord-est de l'Étrurie, en Italie centrale. Centre commercial et industriel florissant, Arretium réussit à surmonter sa rivalité avec Rome et à rester une ville prospère jusqu'à l'époque impériale. Bien qu'une grande partie de l'architecture ancienne ait disparu, l'un des principaux héritages de la période étrusque est la magnifique statue de bronze connue sous le nom de Chimère d'Arezzo, qui est peut-être la plus belle œuvre d'art de cette culture qui nous soit parvenue.

Episode 46 - The Third Samnite War - For the third time, the Samnites. And some say, third time is a charm. And in this case, it was exactly like that. It’s the last years of Marcus Valerius Corvus’ life.

For the third time, the Samnites. And some say, third time is a charm. And in this case, it was exactly like that. It’s the last years of Marcus Valerius Corvus’ life.

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Partial Transcript

Hello, this is Abel, speaking from Beijing,…