Etruscan Society

1
Etruscan Society

• By Brendan Fitzpatrick, Janey Bruno, and Annie
  Gress

2
The Mysterious Etruscans

• Archaeologists draw most of what we know about
  the Etruscans from ancient tombs.

3
Values and Culture

• Agricultural, but also strong military
• Luxury and extravagance
• Entertainment, such as music and dancing

4
Social Class

• Class division occurred in the 8th century B.C.,
  when greater wealth began to appear in Etruscan
  society.
• Division of labor also began to solidify.

5
Upper Class

• Aristocracy wealthy families, both Italian and
  non-Italian.
• Rulers were called lucremones and wore purple
  robes.

6
Wealthy Lifestyle

• Lavish living
• Extravagant banquets (status symbol)
• Servants (not slaves)
• Revelry

7
Working Class

• Farmers
• Potters
• Artisans
• Metal-workers

• Etruscan wealth was based upon the knowledge of
  iron-working and the exploitation of iron
  deposits in the region.

8
Serving Class

• Made up of conquered populations and subjected to
  Etruscan nobility
• Though they did most of the manual labor, the
  lower class were probably not slaves.

9
Women

• Unusually high status
• Could own and inherit real estate
• Could run their own businesses
• Wealthy women lead extremely luxurious lives

10
In Conclusion

• The wealthy Etruscans led luxurious lives
• The working class was skilled in iron-working
• The lower class was made up of conquered natives