Etruscan+Rise+Essay

Etruscan| Rise | Essay By Myrna Scully-Ashton __The Etruscan civilization can give us many lessons on preserving both cultural and environmental sustainability.__ It might be hard to admit that a civilization that began over 3000 years ago still has something to teach us but the reality is that the Etruscans have a variety of lessons to impart. They practiced farming methods that were much more sustainable then our modern techniques. They understood the importance of acknowledging the achievements of women, something we could apply to women and to other modern day marginalized groups. Also they managed to sustain the essence of their culture despite the influence of the powerful Greeks. If we can learn from these lessons perhaps history can repeat it’s self in a positive way.

The Etruscan methods of agriculture contain many examples of environmental sustainability that we can learn from. To allow nutrients to remain in the soil they practised crop rotation, switching between legumes and cereal crops each year. (Haynes 60) Also most Etruscan farm animals severed multiple purposes, sheep were used for wool, cheese and meat; likewise bees both pollinated crops and provided honey. (Haynes 64-65) For the first couple centuries of the their existence the Etruscan civilization was mainly self-sufficient. (Bonfante 50) Additionally they worked with, rather then again their region’s climate harvesting crops like wheat early to contend with the dry summers. (Potter 22) While many of these sustainable practises were unavoidable in during the Etruscan era our modern agricultural practises could benefit from a step back in time. Just because we can use non-sustainable methods like pesticides does not mean we should.

The Etruscans attitude to towards women is an example of how they practised traditions that allowed for cultural sustainability. In order for a civilization to sustain its history and culture, it is necessary to acknowledge the contributions of all involved. The Etruscans did this by recording the mother’s name on the tombs to add to honour of the deceased person, a highly uncommon practise in other parts of the Mediterranean during the period. (Massa 38) There was a reason an Etruscans mother added to their honour, women were given equal status and decision-making powers in the aristocracy. (Massa 38) Western women made huge strides only in the last century, it’s important for us remember the achievements of marginalized groups in our present society.

Another way in, which the Etruscan created a sustainable culture, was how they allowed the character of their culture show even when the Greeks heavily influenced their art. During the 7th century B.C. the Etruscans began to imitate the Greek style of art but with one major difference. Etruscan art focused on everyday life as opposed to the idealized Greek style. (Janson 148) In Etruscan sculpture and pottery the people are shown partying and generally living it up, something you would never see in Greek art of the period. (Nardo 60) They did not build monuments commemorating great battles or leaders but rather frescos and sculptures of common happenings. (Bonfante 101) The fact that the Etruscans still managed to tell their own stories despite outside influences is a lesson for Canadians who often feel overshadowed by American culture.

In conclusion practise of environmental and cultural sustainability that allowed the Etruscans to rise can still be applied to our modern civilization. Many of the challenges they had are still issue we face today; by learning from their effective choices we too can be successful. While the future will always bring us new difficulties, if we remember to look to the past many of questions can be answered.