Today we traveled two hours outside
of Rome to visit Tarquinia. Tarquinia is a large Etruscan cemetery illustrating
a style of burial practice dating back as far as the 7th century
BCE. There are approximately 6,000 graves craved from rock in Tarquinia with
around 200 beautifully painted tombs.
Before arriving in Tarquinia, I was
unsure of what to expect, as I was unfamiliar with the burial practices of the
Etruscans. I had envisioned a burial site similar to a cemetery that we see
today in the United States. However, instead of gravestones, I had envisioned a
relatively flat field with a few mausoleums erected in memorial of the
deceased. Upon arriving, I was astounded at the vast amount of tombs in Tarquinia
as we saw many buried underground throughout a field organized by the families
entombed there. I found myself to be most surprised by the large amount of
tombs located below the surface, as we were only able to see the 3% that have
been excavated by archeologists.
The Tarquinian tombs are
characterized by their beautiful and intricate paintings on the walls and
construction reflective of the architecture seen within their homes. This is a reflection
of the Etruscan beliefs that an individual’s life did not end with death,
however they transitioned into another life after death, a belief similar to
that of the ancient Egyptians. A few images often depicted in Tarquinian
paintings inside of tombs included, animals, columns painted to reflect the
structure of their family homes, doors leading to the underworld, individuals
feasting and taking part in symposium, which is a type of drinking dinner party
event, and men and women dancing.
Men and women were often depicted
dancing together and were buried as husband and wife, suggesting an equalitarian
society between men and women unique to the ancient Etruscan society.
The image depicted here is the
inside of the Tomba del Caronti, a unique tomb as there are two levels. The
first level is designed with benches for family members to gather, as they
often would, to have dinner and visit with their deceased loved one; a practice
derived from the Etruscan belief that life continued on after death. As this
picture illustrates, the lower level is where the tombs of the deceased can be
found.
Doors are painted leading to the
underworld and are protected by demons with hammers on either side of the door.
I find it interesting that these demons seem to resemble a modern image of an
angel.
The images within this tomb come
from the Tomba Delle Leonesse. Within the image here, an underwater scene is illustrated
including dolphins and various water features. Above the underwater sight, a
group of men partake in a symphonic drinking scene including the deceased man
with his guests under the painted columns of the tomb.
Once again, this image is derived
from the Etruscan belief in life continuing after death. Overall, I found the
tombs of the Etruscans at Tarquinia to be exciting and insightful to the burial
practices and beliefs of the ancient Etruscan society.
~Lauren Tracey
~Lauren Tracey
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