Arte - The Rise and Fall of the Etruscans (2022)

For eight centuries, between the 9th and 1st century BC, the Etruscans, inhabitants of the Italian peninsula, were one of the most powerful peoples of the Mediterranean basin, and when they disappeared they left behind impressive necropolises, vestiges of sanctuaries and even entire cities. How did they attain such power? How far did they extend their dominion and influence? What were the causes of their decline? Since their rediscovery during the Renaissance, they have intrigued historians, artists and the public curious about Antiquity. But seeing only mystery in them, one might believe that they remain inaccessible. It is not so. If certain aspects remain unknown and debated, scientists and historians are today acquiring an increasingly clear vision of this people. This documentary aims to share with the general public the current state of knowledge about the Etruscans. The starting point will be the recent discovery of an important Etruscan tomb in Corsica and the renewed interest that archaeologists have in the Etruscan past of the island. In 2019, on the Lamajone site in Aleria (Corsica), a team led by Laurent Vidal, archaeologist at Inrap, was excavating a Roman necropolis when it unearthed a burial with a completely different configuration a hypogeum. The underground tomb contained the remains of a high-ranking Etruscan woman, considering the personal items that accompanied her on her last journey, 2,500 years ago. This exceptional discovery enriches knowledge of the Etruscan past of the Island of Beauty as well as the funerary practices of this ancient people. This discovery revives the interest of archaeologists for the Etruscan past of the island. The Etruscans, one of the most prosperous peoples of antiquity - but also one of the most enigmatic - dominated the center of the Italian peninsula for several centuries, but also part of Corsica. From the excavation of the tomb of Aleria, we will discover their greatness, both in art, engineering and culture. But also, we will follow the Etruscans in their decline, not having been able to face the expansion of a rising power Rome. From the fifth century BC, the Etruscan cities succumbed one after the other, Aleria last in 259 BC. We are guided in this journey, in France and in Italy, by archaeologists and passionate historians who give life to the Etruscan people from the multiple vestiges that it has left us. Maps and 3D graphic animations bring back to life the monuments, temples and cities that marked the history of the Etruscans.

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