Religion in Ancient Etruria

Product Description     This lively translation of Devins, Dieux et Démons is the first English-language edition of Jean-René Jannot’s highly informative examination of Etruscan religion.  Jannot tackles this elusive subject within three major constructs—death, ritual, and the nature of the gods—and presents recent discoveries in an accessible format.  Jane K. Whitehead’s translation updates Jannot’s innovative text and introduces readers of all types—students, scholars, and the general audience—to this thorough overview of ancient Etruscan beliefs, including the afterlife, funerary customs, and mythology.    Provocative insights and thoughtful discussions contribute to an understanding of the prophetic nature of Etruscan culture.  Jannot investigates the elaborate systems of defining space and time that so distinctly characterize this ancient society.  Religion in Ancient Etruria offers a unique perspective that illuminates the origins of some of our own "modern" religious beliefs.    This updated edition includes more than 100 illustrations that demonstrate early temples, statues, mirrors, tablets, and sculptures.1998 French edition, Picard Review "The best introduction to Etruscan religion currently available."—Christopher Smith, American Journal of Archaeology"Extremely interesting, beautifully researched and current, making full use of recently discovered monuments and the latest interpretations of artifacts and texts."—Richard Daniel De Puma, University of Iowa, series editor"The up-to-date references in the footnotes support a text that explains in detail—using the available evidence of artistic and archaeological monuments, inscriptions, and later literature—the ideas and practice of what was, in the eyes of the Romans and no doubt in real life, the Etruscans’ greatest technical expertise."—Larissa Bonfante, Etruscan Studies From the Publisher Series: Wisconsin Studies in Classics Patricia A. Rosenmeyer, General Editor 1998 French edition, Picard From the Inside Flap "The best introduction to Etruscan religion currently available."—Christopher Smith, American Journal of Archaeology "Extremely interesting, beautifully researched and current, making full use of recently discovered monuments and the latest interpretations of artifacts and texts."—Richard Daniel De Puma, University of Iowa, series editor "The up-to-date references in the footnotes support a text that explains in detail—using the available evidence of artistic and archaeological monuments, inscriptions, and later literature—the ideas and practice of what was, in the eyes of the Romans and no doubt in real life, the Etruscans’ greatest technical expertise."—Larissa Bonfante, Etruscan Studies About the Author Jean-René Jannot is professor emeritus of history and archaeology at the University of Nantes, France. Jane K. Whitehead is an assistant professor at Valdosta State University and director of the La Piana excavation in Italy.