Etruscans: a civilization that shaped Italy
Tomb of the Leopards, Tarquinia, c. 470 BC. Photo: CC0MARCH 16, 2026 – An evening dedicated to Etruscans, the ancient civilization that flourished in central Italy long before the rise of Rome. Our guest speaker Erik Nielsen will talk about archaeological discoveries, artistic traditions, and recent scholarly interpretations, illustrating how the Etruscans shaped the cultural, economic and political landscape of the Mediterranean world.
Particular attention is given to their sophisticated urban planning, distinctive funerary practices, and remarkable achievements in metalwork and sculpture. This presentation provides a deeper appreciation for the complexity and originality of Etruscan society, as well as its enduring influence on Roman culture and, ultimately, Western civilization.
Dr Erik Nielsen is President Emeritus of Franklin University Switzerland, the only foreign institution to be recognized as a Swiss University by the Swiss University Commission. Prior academic posts include Director of the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (Stanford University) and Chair of the Department of Classics at Bowdoin College (Maine). He is an Elected Foreign Member of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Etruschi ed Italici. Dr. Nielsen has served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the Etruscan Foundation (USA) and serves on the Editorial Board for the archaeological journal, Etruscan Studies.
Dr. Nielsen directed an on-going archeological excavation at Murlo in Tuscany (Poggio Civitate, near Siena) for forty years. The site of Murlo has produced one of the earliest monumental buildings uncovered in Italy. The site is best known for its remarkable architectural terracotta roof decorations as well as its wealth of luxury items, associated with the inhabitants.
Date: Monday, March 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30PM
Location: South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting Street, Downtown Charleston, SC
Refreshment will be served before the presentation.
More past events
A family recipe in Rome that attracts movie starsWhy so many film stars find their way to one small trattoria in Trastevere.Read more 
A journey into the history of Murano glassFrom the Venetian Republic to today: the story of Murano's blown glass.Read more 
Italian paintings in the US and their conservationHow Italian Old Masters reached American collections, and how they are cared for.Read more 
Italy through the lens of Magnum PhotosResearch from Naples on Italian reportage in the Magnum Photos archive.Read more Unisciti a noi
Become a member
Keep Italian culture alive in Charleston, the way it was kept alive among those who left Italy.
Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Effects of Good Government in the City, c. 1338, Palazzo Pubblico, Siena- Every event of the yearTalks, concerts, film nights and dinners, all season long.
- Bring a guestYour spouse or a friend comes with you.
- Members-only eveningsInvitations to our VIP events.
- Tax-deductibleWe are a nonprofit: your membership is fully deductible.