29926 - Etruscan Epigraphy (1) (2nd cycle)

Course contents

Onomastic system and society from the orientalizing period to the archaic period. Introduction: acquiring and diffusion of the writing practice in Etruria. Learning and changing the alphabet phases and the development of different alphabets. The problem of the Etruscan language. Morphological and syntactical functions: the inflexion of names and verbs. Writing as a sign of social prestige. Origin of onomastic system and social structure during the orientalizing period. Onomastic system and social mobility. The archaic period and the overcoming of demos.  Epigraphic documents from sanctuaries: formularies, contents and value of the votive inscriptions. Etruscan epigraphy as source for the reconstraction of the religion.

Readings/Bibliography

Introduction: M. Cristofani, Introduzione allo studio dell'etrusco, Firenze 1986 (o successive ed.); E.Benelli, Lingua ed epigrafia, in G.Bartoloni (a cura di), Introduzione all'Etruscologia, Milano 2012, pp. 419-446; H. Rix, La scrittura e la lingua, in M.Cristofani (a cura di), Gli Etruschi una nuova immagine, Prato 1984 (o successive ed.), pp. 199-227.

Names and society: G. Colonna, Nome gentilizio e società, in “Studi Etruschi” XLV, 1977, pp. 175-192; M. Cristofani, Il dono nell'Etruria arcaica, in “Parola del Passato” 30; M. Cristofani, Diffusione dell'alfabeto e onomastica arcaica nell'Etruria interna settentrionale, in “Aspetti e problemi dell'Etruria interna (Atti del Convegno di Studi Etruschi, 1972), Firenze 1974, pp. 307-324.

Votive inscriptions: G. Colonna, Note preliminari sui culti del santuario di Portonaccio a Veio, in "Scienze dell'Antichità", 1, 1987, pp. 419-446; G. Colonna, Le iscrizioni votive etrusche, in "Scienze dell'Antichità", 1989-1990, pp. 875-888; D. Maras, Le iscrizioni sacre etrusche sul vasellame in età tardo-arcaica e recente, in "Scienze dell'Antichità", 10, 2000, pp. 121-137.

Teaching methods

The teaching will include seminars. Students, if interested, can integrate lessons with practical activities such as workshop activities offered by the Departments and, in particular, can join excavation activities in the Etruscan town of Marzabotto (Bologna).

Assessment methods

Final test consists in an oral examination about topics covered during lessons. It's required knowledge and comprehension of epigraphic documents analyzed during course

Teaching tools

During the lessons visual aids will be widely used, especially slides and projections from computer. Explanatory paper materials, concerning specific subjects of the course, will be handed out in classroom

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Govi