The Etruscans are the original inhabitants of central Italy; they build cities such as Pompeii, Capu and Orvieto along fortified hilltops; without the Etruscans, much of the Roman world and the foundations of Western civilization largely disappears.
EPISODE 1
Between the Greeks and Romans
Although much is not known about Etruscans, this introduction shows how they serve as a conduit between the Greeks and the Romans; influencing much of what one thinks of as Western civilization; gaining context for these mysterious people.
EPISODE 2
Lost Cities of Tuscany
Etruscan cities no longer survive; studying geography and the foundations of cities that are built over the Etruscan developments; three Etruscan cities; what urban development tells about the people and their impact on future civilizations.
EPISODE 3
Who Founded Rome?
Much of Rome's geography, architecture and artistic inscriptions suggest strong Etruscan influence; three Etruscan kings who rule Rome; Professor Tuck reviews the evidence found in city's major temples; Rome is largely founded as an Etruscan city.
EPISODE 4
Etruscan Cities of the Dead
The Etruscan necropolis is a city of the dead; how the culture views the afterlife and social class; in this look at the dead, visiting several ancient tombs to find out about how these mysterious people live; how their culture changes over time.
EPISODE 5
Etruscan Burial and Mourning
Funeral rites are some of the most conservative components of a culture; looking at a society's funerals; examining Etruscan tomb paintings to learn about their religious rituals; deducing much of their beliefs, cultural priorities and more.
EPISODE 6
Etruscan Afterlife
Examining Etruscan wall paintings; reflecting on some key symbols around the transition from the living to the dead; including divers, underworld guides and kings; how the Etruscan afterlife compares to Greek beliefs and mythology.
Steven L. Tuck
