FAQ draft so far

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Board: Etruria
Topic: Etruscan FAQ 
Topic Editor: Tuscus Sempronius
Topic Description: The place to post as we develop the Etruscan FAQ (...

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Message: FAQ draft so far
Author: - Tuscus Sempronius, Patron 
Date: Oct 8, 1999 22:27
      Here's what we've got so far for the FAQ, with minimal editing.  Please 
      suggest revisions, ask questions, help make this clearer! 

      1.  Who were the Etruscans? 
      The Etruscans, or Rasna, as they called themselves, represent one of 
      history's most fascinating peoples. They knew how to write and they spoke 
      their own unique language.  Many were skilled sailors, warriors, miners, 
      merchants, and metalworkers. They planned and built extensive cemeteries, 
      temples, roads and cities still thriving today under sometimes different 
      names. The Etruscans transformed Rome into a city and started it on its 
      way to becoming an Empire.  As polytheists, they believed in numerous gods 
      and goddesses of the state religion, and in spirits, whom they revered in 
      shrines. On the basis of paintings in their colorful tombs, we know the 
      Etruscans believed in survival after death. 

      2.  When did their culture flourish? 
      The Etruscans ruled Northern Italy, including Rome, from 616-509 B.C..  
      [We obviously need more here!] 

      3.  Where did the Etruscans live? 
      The Rasna (Etruscans) Still live in their ancestoral lands.  Central and 
      slightly north of the land now called Italy but more specifically  modern 
      day Tuscany, Umbria, The Marshes, as well as parts of Emilia-Romagna. 
      The Etruscans dominated ancient Etruria, on the northern part of the 
      Italian peninsula.  Generally the area south of the river Arno and north 
      of the river Tiber . . . roughly equivalent to modern Tuscany.  Etruria 
      comprised a loose confederation of city-states, including Clusium (now 
      Chiusi), Tarquinii (Tarquinia), Veii (Veio), Volterra, and Perusia 
      (Perugia), which were highly civilized.  At no time was Etruria a nation. 

      4.  How were they historically important?  [Additions welcome here, too.] 
      The Etruscans, or Rasna, were a superb sea-faring power.  They were bold 
      and considered 'pirates' by the Greeks.  However, piracy was considered a 
      profession . . . the same as being a farmer, metalsmith or goldsmith. They 
      were as dangerous on land as on the seas. Their military success may be 
      attributed to armaments and battle techniques. The Etruscan infantry 
      marched in a close-massed body of men. Shoemakers produced shoes of 
      leather that laced about the ankles.  They also made boots for daily wear 
      and overshoes for rainy weather. This gave Etruscan infantrymen an 
      advantage over their bare-footed foes. 

      5.  What are some notable accomplishments of Etruscan civilization? 
      The first people to field an army wearing shoes (they had ahinge in the 
      middle to walk on} Among the first to practice dentristry, that was not 
      improved on until the 1880's.  Treated women as equals at least within a 
      class. 

      6.  Why aren't the Etruscans and their achievements more widely known? 
      As Napoleone Buonaparte said, "History is written by the winners."  We 
      were simply absorbed unto the empire.  We were the founders of Rome.  When 
      the Rasna kings were kicked out  many of the old line families remained 
      such as the Sulla's and the Corneilus families.  The Caesars were also an 
      old family but they came from the Pompei area that were in the main 
      Hellenes (Greeks). 

      7.  What caused their civilization to decline and yield to the Romans? 
      They were fatalistic they believed as a group that they had only 900 years 
      ending about 100 BC.   Many of the original inhabitants of Rome were in 
      fact Rasna.  They were city states and did not mutually fight together.  
      They really never left the area but affected the boot for all time.  
      Witness the city states of the nine republics during the middle ages: 
      Pisa, Florence, etc. 

      8.  What are some current discoveries about the Etruscans? 
      The Rasna first settlements were in- land then other settlements worked 
      outward toward the seas to eventually become a seafaring people.  The 
      overlay of the Lydians are probably an overlay as were many overlays of 
      others who landed on their shores. 

      9.  Where can I find out more? [Favorite links?  Resources?  Visuals?] 









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