Etruscan Treasures and Cultural Legacy Explored at Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor in San Francisco will present 'The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy' from May 2 to September 20, featuring nearly 200 objects that highlight the civilization's enduring influence. The Etruscans thrived in central Italy for roughly 800 years until the first century BC, establishing a trade network in copper, iron, and tin with Greeks and Phoenicians. Their commercial success produced opulent jewelry, sculptures, and vessels. The exhibition aims to correct negative portrayals by Greek and Roman sources and build on recent archaeological discoveries, including breakthroughs in understanding the Etruscan language, which has no known parent or descendant languages. Notable objects making their US debuts include the third-century BC Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis, the longest surviving Etruscan text and only known linen manuscript, which survived in Egypt's dry climate and was later brought to Zagreb. Other highlights are grave objects from the Regolini-Galassi Tomb in Cerveteri, lent by the Vatican Etruscan Museum, illustrating high social status and religious practices. Curator Renée Dreyfus closes the show by examining Etruscan innovations adopted by Romans, such as hydraulic systems and city planning, exemplified by bronzes from San Casciano dei Bagni offered to healing gods. Dreyfus notes that Etruscan culture persisted and influenced Roman religious practices despite political transition.