Archaeology and Nationalism : The Trojan Legend In Etruria

Abstract

In this study, the role of archaeology in relation to national identity formation will be analyzed in one of the most debated archaeological subjects in the western world, the case of Etruscan origins. This study will demonstrate how through history the Etruscan legend has permeated the political reality at many levels and how this legend of provenience has been used to promote the formation of national identity and unified mythical ethnic origins. The ultimate purpose of this study is to demonstrate that what is accepted today as solid and objective cultural reality of the past might have been fluid expressions opportunistically shaped and used through time to promote both political and personal agendas.