Featured Lecture

Dr. Greg Warden, Professor of Art History andAssociate Dean of Academic Affairs, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU

SMU's excavations at the acropolis sanctuary of Poggio Colla, about 20 miles northeast of Florence, are providing dramatic evidence for Etruscan votive religion and the ritual destruction of an Etruscan temple. The evidence includes a series of ritual deposits consisting of architectural elements of the destroyed temple, gold jewelry, coins, bronzes, and statue bases, one of which bears a rare Etruscan inscription. These finds are testament to Etruscan rituals previously reconstructed from historical sources and support the view that the Etruscans were the most religious of peoples, ruled by a theocratic elite that held power through control of religion. RSVP for the lecture is required and space is limited. Priority will be given to Museum Members. 214.768.4771 museumevents@smu.edu. Dr. Bob Smith Auditorium