Etruscan religion
Etruscan religion, practiced by the ancient Etruscans in Italy, was polytheistic, worshipping a variety of gods and goddesses connected to nature, fertility, and the afterlife. Central to their beliefs was the idea of auspices—interpreting signs from the gods by observing omens in natural phenomena. They practiced elaborate rituals, including sacrifices, to appease their deities. Ancestor worship also played a significant role, reflecting their views on the afterlife. The Etruscans influenced Roman religion, contributing gods, rituals, and ideas about the afterlife that shaped later Roman beliefs. Their religion was intricately tied to their daily life and social structure.
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Etruscan religion was the belief system of the ancient Etruscan civilization in Italy, flourishing from the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE. It was polytheistic, worshipping many gods associated with nature, life, and the afterlife. Central to their practices were rituals, divination, and elaborate burial customs, reflecting a deep belief in an afterlife. Etruscans considered omens and signs from the gods, often interpreting the behavior of animals and natural phenomena. Their religious practices influenced later Roman beliefs, especially regarding rituals and the pantheon of gods. Temples and sacred spaces were integral to their community life and spiritual expression.