Discussion Forum Unit 4

The Etruscans were predecessors of the Romans in the Italian Peninsula and the Romans
borrowed many cultural aspects from them.

Do you think the Romans may have descended from the Etruscans? Justify.

Support your answer with relevant historical evidences.

The Etruscans were the first Western Mediterranean powerhouse, co-developing the first true
cities in Europe with the Greeks (Taylor, n.d.). He also stated that the Etruscans had a profound
influence on ancient Roman culture, and that the Romans inherited many of their own cultural
and artistic traditions, ranging from the spectacle of gladiatorial combat to hydraulic engineering,
temple design, and religious ritual, among other things. In fact, hundreds of years after the
Romans captured and absorbed the Etruscans into their empire, the Romans nonetheless retained
an Etruscan priesthood in Rome (Taylor, n.d.).

There is evidence that the Romans were descended from the Etruscans. Historians are still
debating how exactly this partnership functioned. Historical evidence suggests either a peaceful
migration or a more violent invasion. While there is no final solution to this topic, elements of
Roman art and language plainly indicate Etruscan influence. Many objects discovered in both
cultures' tombs, for example, are practically identical. Furthermore, elements of Roman art and
language are definitely descended from those established by their forefathers.

Various features of Roman religious traditions appear to be linked with Etruscan ceremonies,
implying a common ancestor. However, only additional research can offer insight on how these
two groups interacted over time. There are original sources, such as ancient books authored by
Cicero and Livy, that focus on the early history of Rome, studying its relationship with nearby
cultures such as the Etruscans.

References:

Taylor, L. (n.d). The Etruscans, an introduction. Smart History. Retrieved from

https://smarthistory.org/the-etruscans-an-introduction/