Religion in Ancient Etruria - Paperback

by Jean-René Jannot (Author), Jane K. Whitehead (Translator)

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.

Author Biography

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.