Demography in Late Etruria

Presenting the first comprehensive analysis of Etruscan demography, this book focuses on the representations of births, marriages and deaths in material and epigraphic culture. In particular, Alexis Daveloose draws on the rich corpus of epitaphs, tomb paintings, reliefs and votive objects from the last four centuries BCE, with a particular focus on the ancient cities of Chiusi, Tarquinia and Volterra. This data reveals the demographic constraints of the Etruscan city-states, reflecting how they experienced staggering military losses and cultural issues – such as changes to long-standing marriage and burial customs – while they were being integrated into Rome’s growing empire.

The book is divided into four distinct parts. The first outlines the theoretical models (namely model life tables and analysis) that are used to present interpretations on ancient demography. The other three parts concern main life events, starting with the theme of mortality, and then moving on to nuptiality, and concluding with fertility. The archaeological material shows a world in which the Etruscans attached great importance to the major rituals of life, and how they adapted to the societal and political changes.