Etruscan Influence in Campania Explored at MANN Exhibition

The exhibition 'Gli Etruschi e il MANN' at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN) examines Etruscan power in Campania, based on Polybius's theory that control over the Po and Campanian plains was key to Etruscan dominance. Curated by Paolo Giulierini and Valentino Nizzo, the show is split into two sections: archaeological evidence of Etruscan presence in Campania, and the antiquarian rediscovery of the Etruscans, highlighting figures like Stefano Borgia and collections such as the Cista Bianchini. Over 600 artifacts are displayed, including the Tomba Bernardini funerary set from Palestrina (675-650 BCE) and the Tomba Artiaco 104 from Cuma, shown together for the first time. About 200 objects from museum storage are newly restored and exhibited. The catalog, edited by Valentino Nizzo and published by Electa, synthesizes research. The exhibition runs from X to V century BCE, ending with the defeats of Cuma in 524 and 474 BCE. It also reconstructs the museum's 19th-century universal museum concept, including the Castellani donation and Gargiulo acquisition stories. The display uses restored 19th-century vitrines with LED lighting. Alongside 'Pompei e gli Etruschi' (curated by Massimo Osanna and Stéphane Verger, December 2018–May 2019), this exhibition lays groundwork for new cultural itineraries in Campania.