Watch The Mysterious Etruscans
- TV-PG
- 2016
- 1 Season
The Mysterious Etruscans from The Great Courses Signature Collection is an enlightening exploration of one of the most intriguing and elusive cultures of early Italy. In this course, Professor Steven L. Tuck takes us on a journey through the history, art, and daily life of the Etruscans, who flourished in central Italy from the eighth to the third century BCE. Through his engaging lectures and vivid visual aids, Professor Tuck unlocks the secrets of this enigmatic people and reveals the ways in which they helped shape Western civilization.
The course begins with an overview of the Etruscan landscape, including the natural resources, geography, and climate that made the region so attractive to settlers. Professor Tuck then delves into the history of the Etruscans, tracing their origins and development over time. He discusses the various theories about where the Etruscans came from, and shows how their culture evolved over time as they interacted with neighboring peoples, including the Greeks and Romans.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Etruscan culture is their art, and Professor Tuck devotes several lectures to exploring the artistic achievements of this people. He shows how their art was both beautiful and functional, and how it reflected their religious beliefs, social structures, and political systems. He also discusses the various materials and techniques used by Etruscan artists, and how these evolved over time.
The Etruscans were also known for their sophisticated urban planning and engineering, and Professor Tuck discusses the ways in which they used their natural resources to create impressive cities, aqueducts, and roads. He shows how they transformed the landscape to suit their needs, and how they built their settlements to reflect their social hierarchies and cultural values.
Throughout the course, Professor Tuck emphasizes the ways in which the Etruscans influenced later civilizations, particularly the Romans. He shows how many of the features of Roman culture, including their religion, art, and engineering, were borrowed from the Etruscans. He also discusses the ways in which the Romans sought to erase the memory of the Etruscans, and how this has contributed to our lack of knowledge about this fascinating culture.
Overall, The Mysterious Etruscans is a fascinating and informative course that offers a unique perspective on one of the most mysterious cultures of the ancient world. Professor Tuck's engaging lectures and vivid visual aids bring the Etruscan world to life, and his insights into their history, art, and daily life are sure to captivate anyone interested in the ancient Mediterranean world. Whether you are a student of history, art, or archaeology, or simply curious about this fascinating culture, this course is a must-watch.
The Mysterious Etruscans is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between January 6, 2016 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection