Since Etruscans were early inhabitants of the valley where we currently count the stars, Gabe studied their civilization for his first worldschool social studies project. We first watched a documentary for an overview and to help him identify possible areas of focus, as we wanted to avoid broad brushstrokes, but instead allow him the deep dive that can be hard to find in traditional schooling. Initially, intrigued by the more present role of women in Etruria, he thought he’d study the social structure. But then digging into the religion, he became interested in the disciplina, because it was unlike any other holy text he’d ever heard about, written as it was, not to instruct or moralize, but rather to teach to prognosticate. But as we discussed how to show what he learned, the focus changed shape. He ultimately decided that he wanted to present his knowledge via letters between a pot maker from Etruria and another from Greece. Historic rivals, nonetheless the two societies often came together to create pots to recognize important moments in their shared lives.

And so, below you’ll find his work. We equivocated about the fact that this method of displaying his findings means he excludes much of his learning, but it seems to me that all that background work—on society formation, on the disciplina, on the culture—color the narrative (plus, we regularly walked through the olive groves with him filling me in on all his Etruscan revelations, which I consider kind of a presentation).

So I’m calling this a win. His work today, before he dives into his next unit of study (modern systems of governance, using Italy as a focus), is to reflect on his Etruscan letters project to isolate what he’s learned about, well…how he learns. He’s already said he’s better with deadlines, so we created at least a rough timeline and structure for the next unit. But I also want him to think about: is it better for him if he does his favorite subject (math) first as a warm up, or is it better to keep that as a treat, so he doesn’t get fatigued? Does he like having a goal of his research, or does he like just studying a topic in general before winnowing his focus?

Part of learning is learning how we learn, how we respect our curiosity while not allowing ourselves to pivot or distract when the going gets tricky or boring (as it inevitably does). I like that we’re incorporating that into the process. But mostly, I really just love these letters and think you will too.

Etruscan Letters

August 11, 428 B.C.E

To my friend Iakovos Rondiades of Kórintho.

Although our nations are in a state of war, that doesn’t mean we can’t still appreciate each other's art. In fact I personally believe that as a symbol of peace between our belligerent nations, we should collaborate on a Hydria. It would display our respective nations art styles, perhaps depicting trade between Greeks and Etruscan at Tarquinia, in direct contrast with my father's father’s work in Ceverti, showing the differences between our lands. However I believe that Greece and Etruria aren’t that different after all. Our religion is more or less derived from yours (despite what the priests say), and other aspects of our culture are also similar.

Best regards,

Vel Faltusa of Tarquinia.

August 28, 428 B.C.E

To Vel Faltusa of Tarquinia.

I agree with you completely. These wars that our lands fight are for naught, it always ends with a more and more specific trade deal. These wars were fought over naval control and superiority, something that won’t affect the general population in the long run. I agree that showing that two of the most respected potters collaborated to make something would be beneficial. Perhaps the piece could touch on the intersections of our religions. One thought could be our respective gods of the sea escorting Greek and Etruscan merchant ships providing them with a calm sea. Poseidon on one side and Nethun on the other. This would not only symbolize peace between our nations but also show that although we have different religions, we can still cooperate. As legend goes, our Greek heroes such as Oddyseus, Diomedes and Menelaus killed off the ferocious beast in your region, and warded off plague and famine. Maybe the Hydria could reference that, possibly a scene of the opposite side of the vase would illustrate a battle between the great Diomedes and the terrible Vanth, creature of the underworld who brings death whenever she beats her mighty wings in the overworld.

From,

Iakovos Rondiades of Kórintho.

September 10, 428 B.C.E

To Iakovos Rondiades of Kórintho.

I think that your idea of merchant vessels guided by our gods is a splendid one. I also believe that having one of your heroes battling a monster is a good idea, although Vanth is not exactly evil. Although she is the harbinger of death and decay, she herself is merely a psychopompian creature, such as that of your Furies, Harpies, or Fates. Perhaps a better option is displaying the time when Menelaus saved my home village from Metus, a gorgon type creature similar to Medusa. I will send you a sketch I have done of metus, based on what I have heard.

Metus, from a work in the Campana Museum:  Image credit Eon Images — Metus, from a work in the Campana Museum: Image credit Eon Images

Further, in what style would you want to make the vase? I presume we are doing a Hydria, a squatter amphora, but in what art style would you like to work in? Red figure vase painting is quite popular in my country, although I do enjoy the occasional black figure. However I am aware that the Greeks and especially your heritage excel at black figure, as that is still quite popular in Greece currently. If we are on a budget, perhaps pseudo red figure would be best, but I am currently in possession of all the materials necessary for a genuine red figure vase. We have recently found immense riches in my town because our miners recently struck an enormous iron vein, so we will be wealthy for a good while. Also my wife will be visiting Greece this upcoming winter (I tried telling her that it could be dangerous with the war but she wouldn’t listen), if you could show her around Kórintho I would be endlessly thankful. Don’t worry, she speaks Greek.

Best Regards,

Vel Faltusa of Tarquinia.

September 27, 428 B.C.E

To Vel Faltusa of Tarquinia.

I have received your letter and the attached sketch, I will create my own sketch on transfer parchment to begin the process. Kórintho has been stricken with poverty because of the war, as we export much of our resources that we have an abundance of to you, but with the war that is impossible, we have to instead focus on exporting to the Carthaginians and the Illyrians who seem to love our wine even more than your ancient people did. However that makes us much less money, so a cheaper option would be preferable, perhaps pseudo red figure? And to address that last part, that is insane! I’ve heard that you let your women out but I didn't know that they were that free. Here most of the ladies are pale from not being allowed outside, let alone out of the city! Your culture never ceases to astound me.

From,

Iakovos Rondiades of Kórintho.

Do you have a fascination with the ancient Etruscans? Or do you have questions for Gabe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!