Etruscan Women

On Tuesday morning, we got into our mini-buses and made our way through the green, rolling hills of Lazio and Umbria into Orvieto – a gorgeous medieval town crouched on the top of a small mountain. After strolling around the main square and sampling delicious cappuccinos and espressos, we got a quick introduction to the Etruscan museum. Michela Zucca, an Italian anthropologist, provided us with a perspective beyond the ordinary. Given the gender theme of our course, she told us about Etruscan women: The only women of the ancient Mediterranean cultures to enjoy some sort of status and standing in societies heavily dominated by war-faring men. Etruscan women could move around freely; they dined with men – both their husbands and others; engaged in business; and at the end of their lives, they were buried alongside their husbands under tombstones with sculptures displaying the affection between lifelong partners. The family name was passed down along the female lineage. The Romans hated those Etruscan women. So strong, so free (at least compared to Roman women) – and wearing so much makeup.  

Malena