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MOURNING DEATHS AND ENDANGERING LIVES: ETRUSCAN CHARIOT RACING BETWEEN SYMBOL AND REALITY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2014

L.M. Banducci
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Abstract

This paper examines the iconographic and archaeological evidence for chariot racing in Etruria, its context and audience. We then focus on the representation of the chariot crash — a motif pervasive in Etruscan art on a variety of locally-produced artistic media. The incongruous depiction of the most exciting, dangerous and tragic occurrence in the race alongside scenes of banqueting and dancing complicates our understanding of Etruscan tomb painting and of funeral ritual. Images of chariot crashes reveal an Etruscan appreciation for Greek epic, while also reflecting real details of the burial rite and the nature of élite competition.

In questo articolo si esamina l'evidenza iconografica e archeologica delle corse di carri in Etruria, il suo contesto e il suo pubblico. Ci si concentra poi sulla rappresentazione dell'incidente durante la gara — un motivo ampiamente diffuso su di una vasta gamma di prodotti artistici di ambito etrusco. La contraddittoria rappresentazione della più emozionante, pericolosa e tragica circostanza nella gara, affiancata a scene di banchetto e di danza, rende difficile la nostra comprensione della pittura tombale etrusca e del rituale funerario. Le raffigurazioni di incidenti durante le corse di carri rivelano un apprezzamento per l'epica greca, riflettendo allo stesso tempo dettagli reali del rito funerario e la natura della competizione nell'ambito dell'élite.

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Papers of the British School at Rome , Volume 82 , October 2014 , pp. 1 - 39
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Copyright © British School at Rome 2014 

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