Leiden University Student Repository

Knaap, Timothy van der (2019)

The Etruscan identity. Using helmet and breastplate styles as a proxy for the expression of identity by the Etruscans

Bachelor thesis | Archaeology (MA/MSc)

For this thesis, a dataset consisting of Etruscan helmet and cuirass types as well as their depiction on other sources has been analyzed to determine whether the Etruscan panoply functioned as an expression of identity. This has been done by analyzing changes that occur in the Etruscan panoply over time in relation to historical events as well. In addition an attempt is made to examine differences in the panoply between regions within Etruria. Through these attempts, the following conclusions have been drawn. There is a correlation between major historical events and changes that occur in the Etruscan panoply. There is also a correlation between the changing depictions of Etruscan warriors and the expression of identity, although this cannot be strongly attested to until the last three centuries when Rome asserts dominance over Etruria. We can infer that during this last period, the Etruscan elite made a conscious attempt to present themselves (part) Roman, as opposed to the...Show moreFor this thesis, a dataset consisting of Etruscan helmet and cuirass types as well as their depiction on other sources has been analyzed to determine whether the Etruscan panoply functioned as an expression of identity. This has been done by analyzing changes that occur in the Etruscan panoply over time in relation to historical events as well. In addition an attempt is made to examine differences in the panoply between regions within Etruria. Through these attempts, the following conclusions have been drawn. There is a correlation between major historical events and changes that occur in the Etruscan panoply. There is also a correlation between the changing depictions of Etruscan warriors and the expression of identity, although this cannot be strongly attested to until the last three centuries when Rome asserts dominance over Etruria. We can infer that during this last period, the Etruscan elite made a conscious attempt to present themselves (part) Roman, as opposed to the Hellenistic panoply depicted in prior centuries.Show less

Etruscan

identity

warrior

Author

Knaap, Timothy van der

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

World Archaeology

Supervisors

Haas, Tymon de

ECTS Credits

9

Language

en