Discs of Splendor: The Relief Mirrors of the Etruscans

The Etruscans, whose culture flourished in Italy from the late eighth century BC to the first century BC, produced some of the most sumptious bronze and silver mirrors found in the ancient Mediterranean. Mirrors with relief decorations on their reverse sides are extremely rare and uniquely Etruscan. Their designs inform us about artistic styles and supplement our understanding of Etruscan culture and taste. The subjects illustrated on the mirrors give us important insights into Etruscan mythology, beliefs and cultural values, filling the vacuum left by the loss of most of their literary record.