Dennis, George: The cities and cemeteries of Etruria: in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1848)

Ixvi CHARACTERISTICS OF ETRUSCAN TOMBS, [introduction.

have been rather to conceal their tombs than to display them,
as it was with the Romans.1

Another characteristic of Etruscan tombs, which distinguishes
them from the Roman, and allies them intimately with those of
Egypt and Asia Minor, is that they generally show an imitation,
more or less obvious, of the abodes of the living. Some display
this analogy in their exterior; others in their interior; a few in
both. Some have more resemblance to temples, and may be
the sepulchres of augurs or aruspices, or of families iu which the
sacerdotal office was hereditary. Even in cases where the ana-
logy is not at first apparent, it will generally be found to exist,
as in the tumular sepulchres, which are like the huts of ancient
Phrygia.2 It is most probable that the paintings on the walls
of Etruscan tombs show the style, though perhaps not the exact
subjects, of the internal decorations of their houses. The ceil-
ings are sometimes adorned with coffers, and the walls with
panelling—benches and stools surround the chambers—weapons
and other furniture are suspended from the walls—and easy
arm-chairs, with foot-stools attached, all hewn from the living
rock, are found in the subterranean houses of these Etruscan
" cities of the dead." The analogy to houses has been truly and
pointedly said to hold in everything but the light of day.

In this respect alone, Etruscan tombs have a peculiar
interest and value, as illustrative of the plan, arrangements, and
decorations, external and internal, of Etruscan houses; of which,
as time has left us no trace, and history no definite description,
we must gather what information we may from analogical
sources. In the Etruscan temples and houses, be it remem-
bered, we view those of early Rome, ere she had sat at the feet
of her more accomplished preceptor, Greece.

1 Etruscan tombs, however, were often dead, which is quite oriental, was not
by the way-side, like the Greek and confined to the Etruscans among the
Roman, real monuments—inonimenta— early people of Italy, as is proved by
warnings and admonitions to the living. the curious urns of Albano, which are
Varro, Ling. Lat. VI. 45. imitations of rude huts formed of boughs

2 Vitruv. II. 1, 5. See Vol. II. p. and covered with skins. See Vol. II.
61. The idea of representing the abodes p. 495.

of the living in the receptacles for the