Oct. 29 – Bratislava and Perugia unite in the name of culture, history and art. This time, archaeological exhibition brings together the two cities. Dedicated to the Etruscans and, in particular, to the Etruscans of Perugia, the exhibition displays 80 major pieces from the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria. It will remain open to the public from Friday, October 31 to Sunday, March 29 at the Slovak National Museum, within the Bratislava Castle. Promoted by the Slovak National museum, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, the showcase came to life thanks to the collaboration of the Embassy of Italy, the City of Bratislava and the City of Perugia. The display aims to highlight the characteristics of an extraordinarily spread-out, mysterious and modern people, “the foundation of Italian civilization.” The Etruscans’ origins are still a topic of discussion, as there are several hypotheses explaining how the Etruscans developed their culture and inadvertently turned central Italy into the birthplace of a new and exuberant culture that would greatly influence future history. The Etruscans knew how to smelt iron; their houses were made of brick and stone; they built temples, a whole network of roads, futuristic hydraulic structures; and gave rise to well-organized cities. In addition, the Etruscans created refined clothing and footwear, devoted themselves to art and music, bringing a breath of fresh air and well-being that radically changed the history of the Italic peoples. (Gil)
